Mike Elko Has Quietly Built Built Texas A&M Into One of the SEC's Deepest Rosters
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Many eyes are on the spending that LSU and Texas did this offseason when it comes to the SEC.
The Tigers went on a portal spending spree for their roster after hiring Lane Kiffin, stealing many of his Ole Miss recruits, while the Longhorns built depth around Arch Manning in what could be his final season. Estimates have Texas at close to $50 million, while LSU is said to have spent a bit over $40 million on its rebuild.
A good bit behind them is Texas A&M at an estimated $33 million. Under the collective shadow those two and even Ole Miss cast with gaudier spending, the Aggies have quietly built one of the deepest rosters in the conference this season under Mike Elko.
It starts with the offensive skill positions, which are stacked.
Texas A&M Deepest Offensively, But Strong Everywhere
Quarterback is covered by Marcel Reed and Brady Hart, developing well behind him. Running back has Rueben Owens leading the way and sophomore Jamarion Morrow developing quickly behind him.
At receiver, Mario Craver has Miami transfer Isaiah Horton coming in as a dynamic counterpart outside, while star returner Terry Bussey is maturing into a weapon who could be used in many different ways offensively, whether running routes or running out of the backfield.
Overall, receiver might be the team's strongest position group.
The trenches on both sides of the ball saw turnover, but there are SEC standouts like defensive tackle DJ Hicks and center Mark Nabou Jr. holding down the middle on each side.
Not to mention, the newcomers, be it freshmen or transfers, are up to snuff according to the program's high recruiting standards in the NIL era.
The Wrecking Crew and the Maroon Goons should be in good shape once the units grow together.
The biggest question marks are in the secondary and at linebacker, but again, these are SEC-quality athletes. What brings it together is the ability of this coaching staff, which drastically improved a roster with 72% returning production last year into a CFP team.
Mike Elko's Coaching Staff Makes Texas A&M a True Contender
Last season was a major second-year jump for Elko and Co. In 2026, Elko's coaching staff has a few clear benchmarks to clear to mark continued improvement. For one, a No. 113 rank in total turnovers and just three interceptions as a defense.
Elsewhere, Texas A&M has improvements to make in big moments. The Lone Star Showdown and the CFP cannot continue to see the Aggies shrink like they did last year for the latter and the past two years for the former. It's less clear on how improvement happens there.
Whatever happens, this is a roster that is well-built, well-coached, and is flying under the radar in the SEC. For now, anyway.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/tamu as Mike Elko Has Quietly Built Built Texas A&M Into One of the SEC's Deepest Rosters.
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