Texas A&M’s 2026 offseason is in full swing after the annual Maroon & White Game concluded on April 18, as coach Mike Elko enters his third season with equally high expectations after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. After a record ten players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Elko and his staff landed 17 players from the transfer portal.
Among all 17 new additions, three future starters, including former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, made ESPN’s Top 100 newcomers list ahead of the 2026 season, listing every transfer portal player who is deemed to make an immediate impact this fall.
For Elko, replacing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell will be challenging, but after Northwestern transfer Anto Saka committed to the Aggies over plenty of suitors, Texas A&M’s pass rush plan, paired with rising sophomore Marco Jones, is set in stone. After four starting offensive linemen were drafted, Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing landed four SEC starters, including Horton’s 2025 teammate, offensive tackle Wilkin Formby.
While defensive lineman CJ Mims and safety Tawfiq Byard should have been considered, Isaiah Horton came in at No. 12, and the 3rd-ranked wide receiver, ESPN’s Billy Tucker, detailed his value to the wide receiver room, noting his size while providing new OC Holmon Wiggins plenty of flexibility from a play-calling standpoint.
“The 6-4, 208-pound transfer brings proven SEC production with 42 catches for 511 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, which tied for second most in the conference. He offers rare physical tools, very good body control and high-level contested catch ability, giving Texas A&M a dependable vertical threat. Already on display at the spring game, Horton is a go-to target on 50-50 balls and in the red zone, while also helping move the chains in critical situations. His length combined with smooth acceleration allow him to win on the perimeter and attack the deep middle. His versatility gives the offense flexibility to create mismatches.”
At No. 70, Wilkin Formby will likely start at right tackle, replacing long-time starter Dametrious Crownover. The Alabama transfer possesses the foot quickness and athleticism to clear lanes in the run game, while his pass protection skill set is still a work in progress, but the traits are there.
Finally, at No. 93, Anto Saka’s elite build and physical pass-rush style provide Elko and defensive line coaches Elijah Robinson and Tony Jerod-Eddie with their Cashius Howell replacement, who will also provide plus play as a run defender.
“He is strong at the point of attack and can convert speed to power to drive blockers back into the pocket. His use of his rip move is also effective when putting pressure on the quarterback. He lacks great change of direction ability but with continued development should maximize his potential.”
Texas A&M will open the 2026 season vs. Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 3 Texas A&M players ranked in ESPN’s Top 100 newcomers list
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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