Marco Jones praises Texas A&M's 'reliable' revamped offensive line
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Just eight days before Texas A&M kicks off the 2026 season against Missouri State, third-year coach Mike Elko, Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton, and rising sophomore Edge Marco Jones spoke to the media on Thursday, just a day before the Aggies begin in-season practice and officially prepare to take on the Bears next Saturday night in Kyle Field.
Thursday's presser did not start off on a positive foot, as Mike Elko revealed that freshman defensive tackle Chace Sims and redshirt fresman running back Tiger Riden Jr. will miss the regular season due to injury, while second year offensive lineman Nelson McGuire and former five-star wide receiver Jerome Myles are no longer on the 2026 roster due to "personal reasons," which may, or may not receive timely explanations.
After Texas linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith was dismissed from the Longhorns earlier this week, these moves have become commonplace, but do not reflect Texas A&M's strong culture under Mike Elko after just two seasons at the helm.
Marco Jones, who is on track to begin the season as the starting Jack in Elko and new DC Lyle Hemphill's defense, spoke highly of the Aggies' revamped offensive line, now featuring four new starters, all likely from the transfer portal. While players tend to praise their teammates regardless, Jones has faced the new A&M O-line throughout fall camp and remains highly impressed.
"Our O-line is going to be a really good group. For people in the media, it has been a big question because we had a super veteran group last year, but we're not going to miss anything this year."
"Our O-line play is really good together… You need people that are reliable and are going to get the job done all the time."
Early in the offseason, Mike Elko praised the offensive line's "combination of experienced transfers with very talented youth," featuring four former SEC starters and several former blue-chip prospects from the 2025 signing class, including Lamont Rogers, Blake Ivy, Tyler Thomas, and Ashton Funk.
Right now, here is the projected starting offensive line ahead of the 2026 season opener:
- Left tackle: Tyree Adams OR Lamont Rogers
- Left guard: Coen Echols
- Center: Mark Nabou
- Right guard: Trovon Baugh
- Right tackle: Wilkin Formby
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Marco Jones praises Texas A&M's 'reliable' revamped offensive line
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