Texas A&M’s first preseason practice took place on Wednesday evening, with the 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State at Kyle Field just four weeks away. For coach Mike Elko, the next three weeks will be critical for the revamped 2026 roster to build chemistry, especially along the offensive and defensive lines.
On Tuesday, Elko spoke to the local media for the first time since SEC Media Days, which included an update regarding senior linebacker Daymion Sanford, who, after suffering a brutal lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game, made the trip to SEC Media Days alongside Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe, and had already graduated from his walking boot, while revealing that he was already running.
According to Elko, Daymion Sanford will be a near-full participant in fall camp, but given the severity of his injury, the senior LB will more than likely be on a snap count to reintegrate him into the physical nature of live scrimmages, especially knowing his vast importance to the Aggies’ goals on defense.
“There are natural football build-up limitations that happen to guys that are recovering from injuries, so he’s not going to go out there and take 82 reps in practice one,” Elko said. “We’ll see how camp goes. There’s still probably some markers and some steps that he’s got to go through, but he’s on course to be (ready for the season-opener).”
On Tuesday afternoon, the first US LBM Coaches Poll was released, with Texas A&M coming in at No. 8 in the top 25 rankings, leading to USA TODAY writer Paul Myerberg releasing his article detailing the “one lingering question” for every top 25 team, centered around Daymion Sandford’s eventual return to the lineup.
“The senior linebacker suffered a leg injury during spring ball but is ahead of schedule on his recovery, leaving open the possibility he’ll return early in the season. This would be huge for A&M, which planned on leaning on Stafford’s experience and production (57 tackles and 3½ sacks in 2025).”
After adding Tulsa transfer linebacker Ray Coney, Texas A&M’s starting linebacker rotation, also including rising sophomore Noah Mikhail, is built on size and athleticism compared to last season’s smaller lineup, while Sanford, who is one of the best coverage linebackers and third-down pass rushers in the SEC, will provide an immediate impact during fall camp.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: USA TODAY names Texas A&M’s ‘one lingering question’ before the season
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
