​All 16 SEC head coaches and three unannounced players from each program will travel to SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida, starting on July 20. On Wednesday, July 22, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko and three notable starters will speak to the media just weeks before the 2026 season. This week, Aggies Wire produced a list of three “burning questions” Elko must answer during his time at the podium, while the pre-interview portion will include plenty of opportunities to talk to all 48 players in attendance. Before Texas A&M’s player representatives are announced, which three Aggies should accompany Elko to the event?
For many, redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who would make his first SEC Media Days appearance, should be the No. 1 option, followed by junior wide receiver Mario Craver and senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe, who are regarded as three of the best players on the 2026 roster. After senior linebacker Daymion Sanford sustained a lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game, it’s hard to picture him making the trip, but on paper, the Katy (TX) native is the best defensive player on the roster and will be missed during the first half of the regular season.
Just twelve days before Texas A&M’s appearance, here are the three Aggies who should be at the 2026 SEC Media Days. Marcel Reed, after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—tied for the second most in the SEC last season—made significant strides but must cut down on his interceptions and turnover-prone decisions, a major issue during the Aggies’ back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first CFP round. This offseason, Reed reportedly added healthy weight to his frame and is working with private QB coach Jeff Christensen, aiming to improve his accuracy and touch and to eliminate “mental mistakes,” which should help him maintain his 2025 production while being more reliable in the late stages of the season.
Another easy selection is wide receiver Mario Craver, who previously transferred from Mississippi State and finished second on the team with 59 receptions, 917 yards, and 4 touchdowns, averaging 15.5 yards per catch. He is expected to explode this fall as Marcel Reed’s top target. Despite standing just 5’9″, Craver’s elite speed, quickness, and refined route running have made him one of the league’s most dangerous receivers and a key piece for the Aggies’ passing game.