March 23, 2026, 5:05 a.m. CT
Texas A&M’s first spring practice took place on Friday afternoon, followed by Sunday’s second practice, which featured the regular positional drills. Several returning starters stood out, especially junior wide receiver Mario Craver, while starting quarterback Marcel Reed is looking to gain a rhythm in the passing game this spring that will translate to the fall.
This offseason, coach Mike Elko enters his third season at the helm with equally high expectations as this time last year, mainly due to returning talent, 17 transfer additions, and 25 of 26 freshmen from the 2026 signing class. However, losing 20-plus players to the transfer portal and the 2026 NFL Draft, including 13 players who were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, makes the spring period that much more important.
On offense, Marcel Reed will play behind a new offensive line featuring four additions from the transfer portal who all started in the SEC last season, bringing plenty of size and experience to the trenches in 2026. However, with four starters replaced, including veteran left tackle Trey Zuhn III, this unit will need time to gel, starting this month.
On defense, replacing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell will be a challenge, but the additions of Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson, who both earned impressive pass rush grades (PFF) last season, are more than skilled enough to make an immediate impact. In the secondary, transfer safety Tawfiq Byard could earn a starting spot, while former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson only played one game last season, and is now 100% healthy.
Thanks to TexAgs and Texas A&M beat writer Tony Catalina, here are just some of the key highlights from the Aggies’ second spring practice on Sunday afternoon.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!New OL Wilkin Formby is a massive addition to the offensive lineQB Marcel Reed continues to work on his footworkRB Jamarion Morrow could be headed towards a breakout yearRB Rueben Owens is looking to improve his ability as a receiverFreshman QB Helaman Casuga’s throw velocity on displayFreshman CB Brandon Arrington is quite the talentFirst look at Alabama transfer WR Isaiah HortonWR Mario Craver is looking like a future first-round pickWR Ashton Bethel-Roman is one of the more physical receivers in the SEC
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.