Texas A&M Faces Roster Overhaul Ahead of 2026 Season

Aggies head coach Mike Elko discusses the challenges of replacing key starters and coordinators after a CFP appearance.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:58pm

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Texas A&M is coming off a successful 2025 season that included a College Football Playoff appearance, but the Aggies will have to replace a significant portion of their roster and coaching staff for the 2026 campaign. Head coach Mike Elko highlighted the team's lack of returning starters and experience as the biggest difference from last year's squad.

Why it matters

Maintaining momentum and returning to the CFP will be a major challenge for Texas A&M with so much turnover on the roster and coaching staff. Elko must find a way to quickly integrate new players and coordinators to keep the Aggies among the nation's elite teams.

The details

The Aggies lost 13 players to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and nearly two dozen more to the transfer portal. To address these departures, Texas A&M brought in the fourth-ranked transfer class in the country. However, Elko noted that these new players 'haven't done very much in Texas A&M uniforms on the field on Saturdays,' creating uncertainty around the team's ability to quickly jell.

  • Texas A&M made its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2025.
  • The Aggies will have 13 new starters when the 2026 season kicks off.

The players

Mike Elko

The head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team.

Marcel Reed

The returning starting quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies.

Mario Craver

One of Texas A&M's leading receivers, returning for the 2026 season.

Reuben Owens II

Texas A&M's leading rusher in 2025, also returning for 2026.

Holmon Wiggins

Texas A&M's new offensive coordinator, previously the wide receivers coach at Alabama.

Lyle Hemphill

Texas A&M's new defensive coordinator, previously held the same role at Wake Forest.

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What they’re saying

“The difference between last year at this time and this year at this time is these kids haven't done very much in Texas A&M uniforms on the field on Saturdays.”

— Mike Elko, Head Coach

“There's nobody who could be more ready to be an offensive coordinator than [Wiggins], given his pedigree, his background, his experiences, the success that he's had. He's been to the playoffs more times than anybody in our building.”

— Mike Elko, Head Coach

“I've known Lyle Hempill for 20 years. I think bringing him here from James Madison, I think there was always a thought that this would be where it would go at some point. … I think it was just very natural for Lyle to slide into that spot.”

— Mike Elko, Head Coach

What’s next

The Aggies will look to quickly integrate their new players and coordinators during spring and fall practices to build chemistry and continuity ahead of the 2026 season opener.

The takeaway

Texas A&M faces a major roster and coaching overhaul after its 2025 CFP appearance, putting significant pressure on head coach Mike Elko to maintain the program's momentum and return to the playoff in 2026 despite the high turnover.