Texas A&M Has Four on 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team, Mario Craver Named Twice

Texas A&M was decently represented on the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team.

Mario Craver was named to the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team at two different positions | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Texas A&M didn't have the most players on the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team, but there were two defenders and two offensive players who received honors. Receiver Mario Craver was named twice to the First Team, additionally as an all-purpose player. Center Mark Nabou Jr. (Second Team), defensive tackle DJ Hicks (Third Team), and receiver Terry Bussey (Third Team), though as a kickoff specialist, were also honored.

Craver was one of five players across the conference to be named to the team in two separate roles, being joined by Oklahoma's Tate Sandell (First Team PK and KOS) and Isaiah Sategna III (Second Team WR, RS, AP), Ole Miss' Lucas Carneiro (Second Team PK and KOS) and Texas's Ryan Niblett (First Team RS and Third Team AP).

Nabou is expected to be the anchor of a rebuilt Texas A&M offensive line. While losing four starters is never ideal, Nabou being the lone returner in the middle, retaining his pre-snap communication with Marcel Reed, is at least good news.

Hicks is a breakout candidate as a hole-plugger in the run game, though he can truly elevate his game by using his athletic traits to improve as a pass-rusher. Technique is the name of the game for Hicks battling guards in the B-gap, though he also takes snaps as a nose tackle. Hicks is a three-tech by trade but will have the versatility to wear many hats for Mike Elko and Elijah Robinson.

Bussey can expand his role offensively this season, owning the athleticism to be used in more specialized packages as a gadget player. He's added size this offseason, which should allow him to handle his own against nickels and linebackers in the passing game when he lines up in the slot. Clearly, the return game is still seen as his bread and butter, though.

As for Craver, it's clear there's an onus on him to make things happen for the Aggies this season in multiple facets of the game.

Mario Craver Will Be Called Upon to Deliver All Over the Field

Texas A&M is not expected to take any significant step back without last year's WR1, K.C. Concepcion, but those prognostications are rooted in banking on newcomers like Miami transfer Isaiah Horton and true freshman Aaron Gregory, the latter of whom is having a truly standout fall camp, to catch on to the offense quickly.

Between that duo and Bussey, there's a lot of hope and optimism about what the room could accomplish.

When it comes to guys who have been there and done that, though, Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, who had 503 touchdowns and five touchdowns on just 24 catches last year, are the majority of the returning receiving production.

There are two sure things at receiver working with Marcel Reed. Craver, by virtue of having more than double the number of catches as the next returning player, has a responsibility to maintain a high level of production. If the offense is having trouble moving the chains in some games, the onus could be on Craver to get the team good field position in the return game.

This is Craver's year to prove he can help carry an offense. The Aggies' ceiling is that much higher if he can play like a First Team weapon wherever it is needed.

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