Texas A&M LB Daymion Sanford Carted Off with Lower-Body Injury

Aggies team captain and key defender injured during spring game

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:48pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting showing a Texas A&M football player in the midst of a tackle, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in maroon and white colors, conveying the intensity and impact of the sport.A fractured, geometric depiction of a Texas A&M defender making a tackle, reflecting the team's concern over a key player's injury.College Station Today

Senior linebacker Daymion Sanford, a team captain for Texas A&M, had to be carted off the field during the Aggies' spring game on Saturday with a reported lower-body injury. The injury occurred late in the first half, prompting the coaching staff to call halftime early.

Why it matters

Sanford was the fourth-leading tackler for the Aggies last season and played a key role in their first College Football Playoff appearance. His absence could be a significant blow to the Texas A&M defense heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Sanford was making a tackle on a run play late in the first half when the injury occurred. The Aggies' medical staff put a cast around the lower part of his left leg before driving him off the field on a cart. With about two minutes remaining before halftime, Texas A&M decided to call the game early.

  • The injury occurred late in the first half of the spring game on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Texas A&M called halftime early after the injury stoppage.

The players

Daymion Sanford

A senior linebacker and team captain for Texas A&M, Sanford was the fourth-leading tackler for the Aggies last season and played a key role in their first College Football Playoff appearance.

Mike Elko

The head coach of the Texas A&M football team, Elko described Sanford's injury as a lower-body issue in the postgame press conference.

Noah Mikhail

A sophomore linebacker for Texas A&M, Mikhail spoke about the impact of Sanford's injury on the team and the linebackers in particular.

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What they’re saying

“Daymion is a one-of-a-kind type of player. Losing someone like that is really tough on the whole team, especially as linebackers. We went and prayed in the huddle. We are hoping we can get him back as soon as possible.”

— Noah Mikhail, Texas A&M Sophomore Linebacker

What’s next

The Aggies will provide an update on the severity of Sanford's injury and a timeline for his potential return in the coming days.

The takeaway

Sanford's injury is a significant concern for the Texas A&M defense, as he was a key leader and playmaker for a unit that helped the Aggies reach the College Football Playoff last season. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by his absence if he is unable to return in time for the 2026 campaign.