Texas A&M’s 2026 Maroon & White Game took place on Saturday afternoon, and was moved up two hours due to inclement weather in the area, and for third-year head coach Mike Elko, it’s hard to know just how ready his newly formed roster will be before the fall, but given the returning and incoming talent from the transfer portal and 2026 signing class, the Aggies should be in good shape.
In a game dominated by defense, freshman quarterback Helaman Casuga rebounded after his early pick-six, throwing the game-winning touchdown to tight end Luke Braden, resulting in a massive celebration from both sidelines. However, after senior linebacker Daymion Sanford suffered what looks like a serious lower-body injury, the mood in Kyle Field immediately changed.
Still, the addition of former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton may end up as the most impactful offseason move in the SEC, especially after losing KC Concepcion to the NFL Draft, and on Saturday, Horton led the game in receiving, averaging over 16 yards per reception, while making one of the better catches you’ll see in any spring game this weekend.
Overall, Texas A&M’s defense should be the Aggies strength, as Colorado transfer safety Tawfiq Byard and former Northwestern edge Anto Saka impressed, while freshman cornerback Brandon Arrington was in tight coverage throughout the day. On special teams, Texas A&M’s kicking woes might be a thing of the past after transfer kicker David Olano and five-star freshman Asher Murray combined to finish 5-5 with makes from 53, 39, 33, 29, and 28 yards.
Texas A&M’s 2026 quarterback room looks to be in better shape than expected, especially from an injury perspective, now knowing that Brady Hart has grown as a passer, providing insurance behind Marcel Reed. After the game, Mike Elko, running back Jamarion Morrow, Isaiah Horton, and linebacker Noah Mikhail spoke to the media.
Mike Elko confirmed that Daymion Sanford suffered a lower-body injury, but did not provide an official update
“We’ll figure it out.”
Elko’s immediate reaction after the spring game
“It was a really tough spring ball. It was a really good opportunity for us to get better and develop the core values we needed to. It was an exciting, close game that came down to the last play.” “We still have a ton of work to get this team to where we want to be, but that’s to be expected.”
Elko on Isaiah Horton “flashing” during his first live scrimmage
“Those balls were thrown into tight coverage, and he came down with contested catches over the DB.”
“He has had a great spring, and we expect him to be a major player for us this fall.”
Elko on sophomore RB Jamarion Morrow’s impressive outing
“He got knicked up through the middle of spring. We got him healthy. He is really talented back… He was able to put some of that on display today, which was good to see.”
Texas A&M’s kicking battle will be facinating to watch
“It was good to see the 53-yard field goal that Asher hit. I think we have two really talented kickers that can help us this fall.”
The Texas A&M freshman class made an impact
“Our true freshmen were more comfortable with what we are doing. There were some freshman flashes from guys like Tylan Wilson, Tamarion Watkins and Carsyn Baker.”
Elko on safety Dalton Brooks serving as one of the team’s 2026 captains
“Really cool for Dalton (Brooks) to be named captain. He hasn’t been available all spring ball because of the shoulder surgery after the season. Sometimes, those injured kids drift off in your thought process. You see the impact he has on the locker room. He’s a dynamic kid and has grown at the safety position.”
Elko on Texas A&M’s newly formed offensive line
“You have older guys who have played in the SEC with guys who have been in our program.” “You have this really good competitive balance… It’s a deeper group than it was last year.”
Elko on new OC Holmon Wiggins and DC Lyle Hemphill
“I thought it was good. We had two different coordinators calling each side… I have confidence in those guys. It’s going exactly how I thought it would.”
Elko on the Aggies’ five new team captains
“I dont name them. I just read the votes. You try to find where the lines of separation are. Marcel (Reed) was a very clear No. 1. Daymion (Sanford) was a very clear No. 2.”
“You had (Marcus) Ratcliffe, (Dalton) Brooks and Micah (Riley), too. We felt like there was a lot of leadership in that group.”
Isaiah Horton on his impressive spring debut
“It was really important to me. It’s my new home. Putting on a show for the fans and my teammates, as well.”
Horton on his contested catch that exploded on social media
“I knew I had it. It was a great ball by Brady Hart. I just tracked it and caught the ball.”
Horton on freshman WR Aaron Gregory’s trajectory
“Aaron came in with the right mindset. If you don’t know, you would think he was vet already.”
Horton on his “all-in” mentality after transferring from Alabama
“Kudos to us for accepting everybody. When we are in the locker room… It’s everyone together. I have been places before, and that’s what we need to win games. All 11 of us.”
Jamarion Morrow on Texas A&M’s new offensive line
“They have been great from the start. When it comes to the run game, they are just moving people. It seems like they gel well.”
Morrow on where he wanted to improve this offseason
“I feel like I had a different mentality as far as how I run the ball. I wanted to make those little runs into four or five-yard runs.”
LB Noah Mikhail on his offseason goals
“Trying to be intentional in the way I move and command the defense. I learned a lot from (Taurean) York last year.”
Mikhail on the potential loss of linebacker Daymion Sanford
“Daymion (Sanford) is a one-of-a-kind type of player. Losing someone like that is really tough on the whole team, especially as linebackers. We went and prayed in the huddle. We are hoping we can get him back as soon as possible.”
Mikhail on playing in his second spring game
“I think a lot of it is to get in front of the fans and see what the team is about. Injuries are always going to happen. Being able to show fans a preview of the season is what really matters.”
Mikhail on his pick-six against freshman QB Helaman Casuga
“Dropped into zone coverage, QB’s eyes took me that way and thought about getting the PBU. He put a little air on the ball and pick six.”
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko, players said after the spring game
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
