Texas A&M’s first preseason practice ahead of the 2026 season opener against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, took place on Wednesday evening. Similar to this time last year, quarterback Marcel Reed received substantial attention given the redshirt junior’s need to take the proverbial next step as a pocket passer.
entering his second full starting season,
With 65% of the 2025 roster returning after the Aggies’ first trip to the College Football Playoff last season, third-year coach Mike Elko added 17 players from the transfer portal and retained all but one player from the 2026 signing class. Several newcomers continued to look the part on Wednesday, while A&M’s elite wide receiver rotation unsurprisingly flashed, especially junior Terry Bussey.
After landing Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who stands 6 feet, 4 inches and weighs 215 pounds, the Aggies’ receiver rotation, led by Mario Craver, is built on speed, size and physicality after nearly every wideout added weight this offseason. Bussey now weighs 205 pounds.
Texas A&M’s starting running back job is still up for grabs, and redshirt junior Rueben Owens, who also gained weight this summer, will directly compete with rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow, who impressed the staff this spring and looks like the best one-cut running back on the roster.
Thanks to several beat writers in attendance, including Tony Catalina, Carter Karels and Travis Brown, here are the top highlights from Texas A&M’s first preseason practice.
Terry Bussey is looking strong after working with S&C coach Tommy Moffitt
Transfer WR Isaiah Horton will be an X factor in the passing game
Will Mario Craver be the Aggie punt returner?
Texas A&M’s starting left tackle? Likely
Freshman WR Aaron Gregory certainly possesses NFL traits
Former 5-star WR Jerome Myles could be headed toward a big year
LB Daymion Sanford is back at practice
Redshirt freshman TE Kiotti Armstrong is a large human being
Terry Bussey with the one-handed snag
The running back battle continues
Marcel Reed throwing to his new TE Richie Anderson
Likely backup QB Brady Hart
Marcel Reed with a solid pass to Isaiah Horton
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Highlights from Texas A&M’s first 2026 preseason practice
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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By Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
