Texas A&M Gets Encouraging Injury Update Before Opener
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Texas A&M will open the 2026 season Saturday night against Missouri State with a roster that’s already taken a few hits.
But the biggest injury question may be trending in the right direction.
MORE: Texas A&M Eyes Huge Recruiting Weekend With 150 Prospects Visiting
Senior linebacker Daymion Sanford remains a game-time decision after suffering a fibula injury during the spring, yet Mike Elko said he currently expects Sanford to be available.
That would be a significant boost for a Texas A&M defense entering a season with serious expectations and an unforgiving SEC schedule.
Sanford is coming off a breakout 2025 season in which he recorded 57 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sackswhile emerging as one of the Aggies’ most important defensive pieces.
His presence matters even more because Texas A&M will need every bit of its defensive depth this fall.
The Aggies already know they’ll be without running back Tiger Riden Jr. and defensive lineman Chace Sims for the entire season because of injuries. Riden appeared in five games last season, rushing 11 times for 45 yards and a touchdown, and was expected to compete for a reserve role in the backfield.
The roster has also changed beyond the injury list.
Wide receiver Jerome Myles and offensive lineman Nelson McGuire are no longer with the program because of personal reasons, according to Elko.
None of those losses are ideal, but the bigger story is that Texas A&M appears to have avoided a broader injury disaster entering Week 1.
That’s important because this schedule isn’t forgiving.
The Aggies begin with three straight games at Kyle Field against Missouri State, Arizona State and Kentucky, but things get considerably nastier once SEC play starts.
Texas A&M has road games against LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma as part of the SEC’s new nine-game conference format.
That’s a brutal travel slate.
The good news for Elko is that this team enters 2026 with momentum after an 11-win season and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025.
Now the standard changes.
MORE: Texas A&M Reveals Classic Uniform for Missouri State Opener
Texas A&M isn’t trying to prove it can have one big season anymore. The Aggies are trying to prove they’ve become a program capable of sustaining success.
Getting Sanford back on the field Saturday would be a strong place to start.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos