Texas A&M’s 2026 preseason officially kicked off on Tuesday, as coach Mike Elko, entering Year 3 at the helm, spoke to the local media alongside tight end Micah Riley, center Mark Nabou Jr., and safety Dalton Brooks, who all have plenty to say regarding the program’s trajectory and the progress made this summer just four weeks before the season-opener vs. Missouri State.
Among the long list of underrated storylines, among the record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, former transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion went 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns, already looking the part during his first training camp. Concepcion’s departure not only left a hole in the Aggies’ wide receiver rotation, but paved the way for a new punt returner in 2026.
Last season, Concepcion returned 25 punts for 456 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 18.2 yards per return. While replacing his dynamic athleticism will be tough, his 2025 counterpart, junior wide receiver Mario Craver, reeled in 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, and is one of the quickest players on the roster with NFL-level speed to boot.
On Tuesday, Elko stated that Craver, alongside Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton and primary kick returner and junior wide receiver Terry Bussey, will be the names to watch for the punt return job during fall camp.
“Mario (Craver) is going to be involved in that. Terry (Bussey) will be involved in that. Isaiah Horton will have some context in that conversation as well.”
While saving Bussey’s legs will be key, Craver looks like, on paper, at least, the early leader to pick up where Concepcion left off this season, but given his importance to the offense, injury potential will always be a factor. Still, special teams continues to play a significant role in field positioning, as giving the offense a shorter field to work with usually leads to more touchdowns than field goal attempts.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko eyes new options for Texas A&M’s 2026 punt return duties
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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By Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
