Tulsa transfer Ray Coney could become a key Texas A&M linebacker after Daymion Sanford’s injury reshaped the Aggies’ defensive outlook.
Texas A&M football added 17 players through the transfer portal this offseason, but linebacker Ray Coney may have just become one of the biggest newcomers on the 2026 roster.
The Tulsa transfer arrived in College Station as a veteran depth piece with upside.
Now, after senior linebacker Daymion Sanford suffered a lower-body injury that could keep him out through the first half of the season, Coney’s role looks much bigger.
Texas A&M needed experience at linebacker even before Sanford’s injury. Taurean York declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after three seasons as a starter, leaving the Aggies searching for a steady, physical presence in the middle of the defense. Coney brings exactly that.
The 6-2, 240-pound linebacker started his college career at East Tennessee State before transferring to Tulsa, where he produced immediately.
In his lone season with the Golden Hurricanes, Coney led the team with 128 tackles while adding 41 solo stops, two sacks and two pass breakups.
That production matters for an Aggies defense trying to clean up late-season issues against the run.
Per Pro Football Focus, Coney posted an 86.9 run-defense grade and a 75.2 pass-rush grade, numbers that suggest he’s more than just a tackling machine.
His presence could also help sophomore Noah Mikhail grow into a larger role without being forced to carry too much too soon. That may be especially important while Sanford works his way back.
Coney reportedly didn’t explode out of the gate during spring practice, but he improved as camp went on and started looking like a legitimate candidate to become Texas A&M’s next starting middle linebacker.
The biggest area to clean up appears to be coverage recognition, especially with his eyes and positioning.
Still, the bigger picture is clear.
Isaiah Horton may be the flashier transfer addition on offense, but Ray Coney could be the stabilizer Texas A&M badly needs on defense.
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