​Texas A&M’s 2026 season is approaching, with less than two months to go. While third-year head coach Mike Elko and his staff savor the final weeks before preseason practice, the media can’t help but start forecasting how the Aggies will fare. Early predictions present a mixed bag, with estimates ranging from 9-3 to 10-2.
This offseason has been busy in College Station. Before a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas A&M added 17 players from the transfer portal, all of whom will compete for starting roles and key depth spots. The program also welcomes a strong return to the fold, as about 65% of the 2025 roster remains, led by starting quarterback Marcel Reed and star wide receiver Mario Craver.
Defensively, the loss of unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell—who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks—will be felt. Yet the Aggies have addressed that gap by adding Northwestern transfer Anto Saka, who provides pass-rush potential, along with former North Carolina nose tackle CJ Mims, who is slated to start alongside senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks and defensive end T.J. Searcy. National perception doesn’t place Texas A&M among the obvious national championship contenders, but the current college football landscape remains wide open. After Indiana’s surprising title run last season, optimism isn’t entirely unfounded. This week, popular analyst CFBudge released his list of 16 teams that could “actually win the National Title in 2026,” placing Texas A&M at No. 13.
Perhaps most crucially, Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing prepared for departures along the line by landing four SEC starters from the transfer portal. Among them is former Alabama lineman Wilkin Formby, who was ranked ESPN’s 61st-best transfer addition earlier this week. These changes should help stabilize the upfront unit and give Reed a platform to grow.
Overall, Texas A&M’s defense looks to be a significant strength, helped by one of the deepest secondaries in the country. If the rebuilt offensive line holds up, Reed—who threw for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns last season—could continue to improve, especially with the elite receiver group he’ll be working with. The Aggies’ primary objective remains a return to the College Football Playoff, and the question of national title ambitions will likely surface again during SEC media days next week. I’m confident that Mike Elko won’t bite at those hypotheticals; instead, he’ll keep the focus on Week 1 and the road ahead.
For ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and analysis, follow Aggies Wire on X (formerly Twitter) at @AggiesWire and like our Facebook page. You can also follow Cameron Ohnysty on X at @CameronOhnysty. This piece originally appeared on Aggies Wire under the headline Texas A&M among 16 teams who could “actually win” a title in 2026.