Texas A&M Retains Key Offensive Talent for 2026 Season

ESPN highlights returning stars that could lead Aggies to another strong year

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Texas A&M is bringing back several key offensive players for the 2026 season, including wide receivers Marcel Reed, Rueben Owens II, and Mario Craver, as well as offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr. Cornerback Dezz Ricks, a transfer from Alabama, is also returning and will anchor the Aggies' secondary after they had to rebuild much of their defense through the transfer portal.

Why it matters

Texas A&M is coming off one of its best seasons in recent memory, and the return of this offensive talent, along with the experienced cornerback Ricks, positions the Aggies as a potential contender in the SEC next year. Keeping this core group together will be crucial as the team looks to build on its success.

The details

According to ESPN's Max Olson, the Aggies' key offensive returners include wide receivers Marcel Reed, Rueben Owens II, and Mario Craver, as well as offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr. Owens II is expected to be the starting running back, while Craver had a breakout season in 2025 with 59 catches for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns. On defense, the return of cornerback Dezz Ricks, a transfer from Alabama, will be crucial as the Aggies look to rebuild parts of their defense.

  • Texas A&M is coming off a strong 2025 season.

The players

Marcel Reed

Wide receiver for Texas A&M.

Rueben Owens II

Running back for Texas A&M, expected to be the starter in 2026.

Mario Craver

Wide receiver for Texas A&M, had a breakout season in 2025 with 59 catches for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Mark Nabou Jr.

Offensive lineman for Texas A&M, will be a veteran presence on the offensive line.

Dezz Ricks

Cornerback for Texas A&M, a transfer from Alabama who will anchor the Aggies' secondary.

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What they’re saying

“They had a lot of work to do on defense in reloading via the portal, so getting Ricks locked in for another year was a big deal. The former Alabama transfer is entering his third season as a starter and allowed catches on just 40% of targets last year with nine pass breakups and two TDs allowed, per ESPN Research.”

— Max Olson, ESPN writer (gigemgazette.com)

The takeaway

Texas A&M's ability to retain key offensive talent, along with the return of standout cornerback Dezz Ricks, positions the Aggies as a team to watch in the 2026 college football season. Their offensive firepower and defensive experience could make them a contender in the SEC.