Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko expertly navigates the transfer portal, securing key talent across the board, from trenches to secondary, ensuring a competitive edge for the Aggies.
If anyone thought Texas A&M might take a step back after a first round College Football Playoff exit to Miami, Mike Elko has spent the last week politely laughing at that idea.
The Aggies’ season ended earlier than hoped, but the response has been immediate and loud. Since the transfer portal opened a little over a week ago, Mike Elko and his staff have already secured 14 transfer commitments.
Around college football, there is a big difference between rebuilding and reloading. Texas A&M is very clearly doing the latter.
Some critics will point out that the Aggies have not landed a headline-grabbing, social media-breaking commitment yet.
Elko would likely respond by pointing at the trenches, smiling, and getting back to work. Northwestern edge rusher Anto Saka headlines the defensive additions so far. Yes, he only posted three sacks last season, but anyone evaluating pass rushers beyond box scores knows Saka is viewed by scouts as one of the most talented edge defenders in the portal.
Texas A&M is also still very much in the hunt for Auburn star wide receiver Cam Coleman, while Alabama transfer wideout Isaiah Horton visited College Station on Saturday. Horton, in particular, would be a major addition to an Aggie receiver room that has talent but could use more size and physicality on the outside.
Even if Coleman ends up elsewhere, Horton would not be a backup plan. He would be a solution.
Where Elko has been especially aggressive is up front. Losing four starting offensive linemen to the 2026 NFL Draft is enough to make most fan bases panic. Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing responded by simply going shopping in the SEC.
Guards Coen Echols from LSU and Trovon Baugh from South Carolina were early additions. That was followed by landing tackles Tyree Adams from LSU and Wilkin Formby from Alabama in back-to-back days.
The secondary has not been ignored either. Colorado safety Tafiq Byard and Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson both arrive with starting experience and will immediately compete for meaningful snaps. In today’s SEC, depth in the back end is not a luxury. It is survival.
ESPN writer Max Olson summed it up well when he praised the Aggies for focusing on reloading instead of rebuilding, even after losing veteran leaders like linebacker Taurean York to the NFL Draft.
Olson also highlighted the staff’s emphasis on experience and versatility, noting that this is what a program looks like when it is committed to competing every single year.
There was even a subtle but important addition at kicker.
Illinois transfer David Olano quietly converted two game-winning field goals this season. For Aggie fans who have watched one too many kicks drift wide over the years, that alone might be worth a small celebration.
So what comes next?
Barring final decisions from Coleman and Horton, the focus will likely shift to adding one or two more defensive tackles. Elko has been clear about wanting size, strength, and experience in the middle of the defensive line. Translation for fans is simple. Do not expect Texas A&M to get pushed around anytime soon.
Portal success is not about winning headlines in December.
It is about fixing weaknesses with proven players who can contribute immediately. Texas A&M has done exactly that, especially in the trenches where games are actually decided.
Elko isn't chasing stars; he's building a roster that can line up in the SEC and win. If this is what a so-called quiet portal class looks like, Aggie fans should probably get comfortable with a new standard.