Texas A&M football fans have plenty to look forward to as head coach Mike Elko gears up for the 2026 season. In his first press conference of the offseason, Elko addressed everything from player acquisitions to coaching staff changes and spring football prep.
This update gives us a peek into the shifting landscape of the Aggies. The team is set to overhaul a big chunk of its roster and staff.
Coach Mike Elko’s first press conference since the Aggies’ season-ending loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals drew a lot of attention. The session kicked off around 1:30 p.m. and hit on a bunch of topics, like the transfer portal, new coaching hires, and how winter workouts are shaping up.
Elko shared some real insights into where Texas A&M football could be headed. Honestly, it’s always interesting to hear a coach open up about the nitty-gritty.
Transfer Portal Acquisitions
The transfer portal was a hot topic, and for good reason. The Aggies brought in 17 transfers who are all expected to contribute right away:
- Wide Receiver: Isaiah Horton (Alabama)
- Tight Ends: Richie Anderson III (Fresno State), Houston Thomas (UTSA)
- Offensive Linemen: Tyree Adams (LSU), Trovon Baugh (South Carolina), Coen Echols (LSU), Wilkin Formby (Alabama)
- Kicker: David Olano (Illinois)
- Defensive Tackles: Brandon Davis-Swain (Colorado), Angelo McCullom (Illinois), CJ Mims (North Carolina)
- Defensive Ends: Ryan Henderson (San Diego State), Anto Saka (Northwestern)
- Linebackers: Ray Coney (Tulsa), TJ Smith (Houston Christian)
- Cornerback: Rickey Gibson III (Tennessee)
- Safety: Tawfiq Byard (Colorado)
These additions should boost the team’s depth and inject some new energy. The Aggies are also adding 25 freshmen from the 2026 signing class, except for four-star tight end Evan Jacobson, who’s set to arrive in June.
Coaching Staff Updates
Elko didn’t shy away from talking about the coaching staff shake-up. The Aggies needed to replace both coordinators and three other on-field assistants.
Here’s a look at some of the key moves:
- Lyle Hemphill: Promoted to Defensive Coordinator
- Holmon Wiggins: Promoted to Offensive Coordinator
- Trooper Taylor: Associate Head Coach for Offense/Running Backs
- Travis Williams: Associate Head Coach for Defense/Linebackers
- Elijah Robinson: Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
- Ishmael Aristide: Defensive Backs
- Adam Cushing: Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line
- Patrick Dougherty: Special Teams Coordinator
- Tony Jerod-Eddie: Defensive Line
- Joey Lynch: Quarterbacks
- John Perry: Wide Receivers
- Derek Shay: Tight Ends
- Stan Watson: Defensive Ends
- Bryant Gross-Armiento: Cornerbacks
- Paul Williams: Nickels
It’s a blend of new faces and familiar ones moving up the ladder. Holmon Wiggins jumps from receivers coach to offensive coordinator, while Lyle Hemphill steps up as defensive coordinator.
Spring Football and Winter Workouts
Elko put a spotlight on winter workouts, calling them key to the team’s prep for the season. These sessions have helped integrate new players and start building some chemistry.
Spring football starts March 20. That’s when we’ll really get our first look at the new roster in action—should be interesting.
Replacing Key Players
The Aggies are staring down the loss of 15 starters and 20 other scholarship players from last fall. That’s a lot of turnover.
They lost 21 to expired eligibility, 11 to the transfer portal, and three juniors to the 2026 NFL Draft. Filling those gaps with new transfers and freshmen is going to be a huge storyline.
Top Freshman Talent
The 2026 signing class brings in 26 freshmen, with 25 already on campus. One name that stands out is five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews out of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale.
Matthews is already being talked about as a future All-American and maybe even a first-round NFL pick someday. His presence should give a big boost to the offensive line.
Looking Ahead
Texas A&M is gearing up for the 2026 season. There’s a lot of talk about how the new players and staff will fit in.
It’s not easy replacing so much of the roster, but there’s a feeling that Coach Elko’s got a plan. The Aggies have brought in some strategic additions, both on the field and on the sidelines.
If you’re after more details or want to catch Coach Elko’s press conference as it happened, check out the GigEm247 article.
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