This is the Biggest Difference in Texas A&M Roster in 2026

Mike Elko shared what the biggest difference is between last season’s roster and the current team heading into the 2026 season.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

An appearance in the College Football Playoff defined the Texas A&M Aggies’ 2025 season and set a new standard for what is expected in College Station, Texas. With Mike Elko in charge, it is a new era of Aggie football.

The process of returning, though, is just as difficult. Sixteen teams have made just one appearance in the CFP, and the Aggies have no intention of remaining as one. Looking ahead at the roster in place for 2026, there is one key difference that could be a snag for a postseason run.

What Is the Biggest Change From Last Season’s Roster?

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed looks on during the game between the Aggies and the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Texas A&M aims to make its second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff, and there are strong expectations after last season. However, this is not last season's team, and there are some very important differences.

Appearing on Josh Pate’s “Pate State Speaker Series,” Elko elaborated on one of the biggest changes that could have a major impact on the Aggies’ 2026 season: “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.”

Texas A&M had 13 players attend the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and nearly two dozen at its pro day. With so much talent leaving for the NFL, there were a lot of areas the Aggies needed to address over the offseason.

Furthermore, 14 Aggies left in the transfer portal, and 18 more were brought in, according to On3. After last year’s success, several top recruits were added to help revitalize the team, and Texas A&M’s class of transfers was ranked fourth.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko looks on before the game against the Florida Gators at Kyle Field. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

“I think if you look at volume of starts, returning starters, young kids who are really talented, ready to break on the scene, returning quarterback — which is always a critical piece of projecting success — you feel really good about where the roster is,” Elko said before noting the difference in this season's roster.

Marcel Reed’s return is a big boost for the Aggies. In an era where talent is often on the move, not many teams get the opportunity to bring back starters at the most important positions. As well, Texas A&M returns one of its leading receivers, Mario Craver (917 yards), as well as its leading rusher, Reuben Owens II (639).

In the trenches, there will be a lot more turnover. Both the offensive and defensive lines took a hit with talent leaving for the NFL. Elko will have to rely on the team’s depth and incoming talent to maintain a next-man-up mentality.

“Whether that's the young guy that wins the job or the new guy that wins the job, none of them have actually gone out, and we'll have 13 new starters next year when this thing kicks off. That's the challenge is to make sure that you turn it from potential and pieces into actuality and a team and a really tight group of guys that'll go out there and fight for each other on Saturday.”

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This theme does not only apply to the roster but also to the coaching staff. Texas A&M will have first-year offensive and defensive coordinators, and even though they have both been Aggies for years, it is a new role with new responsibilities.

However, Elko is not worried about how Holmon Wiggins and Lyle Hemphill will hold up. He said both have plenty of experience calling plays in practice and are well-qualified for the positions.

“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.”

Wiggins brings his experience with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has coached a Biletnikoff and Heisman Award-winning wide receiver and was a part of a national championship-winning roster. That knowledge prepares him for his first opportunity as an offensive coordinator.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko on the field in the second half of a game against the Samford Bulldogs at Kyle Field. | Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images

As for Hemphill, he has previously served as a defensive coordinator, including at the power-conference level with Wake Forest. Elko has full faith in him as he takes over as Texas A&M’s DC.

“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,” Elko said.

While the team has plenty of players with experience and success, there are several moving parts. This season will test Elko's ability to control and connect the roster and coaching staff as the team seeks a return to the CFP.

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