Texas A&M Announces Five Football Team Captains for 2026 Season

Quarterback Marcel Reed, tight end Micah Riley, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe earn leadership roles.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a college football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of maroon, white, and gold.Texas A&M's new team captains will lead the Aggies with a bold, geometric vision in the 2026 season.College Station Today

Texas A&M football has named five team captains for the 2026 season following a vote by the players. The captains are quarterback Marcel Reed, tight end Micah Riley, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe.

Why it matters

Naming team captains is an important tradition in college football, as it recognizes the players who have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the team. These five players will be responsible for setting the tone and guiding the Aggies through the upcoming season.

The details

Under head coach Mike Elko, Texas A&M is naming five team captains, which is more than the program has had in recent years. The five players selected are all experienced veterans who have made significant contributions to the team. Quarterback Marcel Reed is coming off his best season, while tight end Micah Riley, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe have all been key contributors over the past two seasons.

  • Texas A&M announced the team captains on April 17, 2026.
  • The Aggies will hold their annual Maroon and White spring game this Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Marcel Reed

Texas A&M's starting quarterback who is coming off the best season of his career in 2025.

Micah Riley

A redshirt senior tight end who transferred to Texas A&M from Auburn prior to the 2025 season.

Daymion Sanford

A linebacker who emerged as a starter in 2025 after replacing an injured player, and has appeared in 39 games in his career.

Dalton Brooks

A senior safety who has been a key contributor for the Aggies over the last two seasons, appearing in 37 games with 20 starts.

Marcus Ratcliffe

A senior safety who arrived at Texas A&M in 2024 after spending his first year at San Diego State, and has appeared in 38 games with 35 starts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Naming five team captains is a lot for the Aggies, but these five players have demonstrated the leadership and commitment to deserve this honor.”

— Mike Elko, Texas A&M Head Coach

What’s next

The Aggies will hold their annual Maroon and White spring game this Saturday, April 19, 2026, where fans will get their first look at the new team captains leading the squad.

The takeaway

Texas A&M's selection of five team captains for the 2026 season highlights the program's depth of veteran leadership and the high expectations for the Aggies heading into the new year. These five players will be instrumental in guiding the team and setting the tone both on and off the field.