It was one of the best seasons for Texas A&M, and they have some key returns that could make for an even better year in College Station for 2026.
Max Olson of ESPN wrote an article on "key retentions" for 2026. The transfers that will make a difference, like LB Ray Coney from Tulsa, DT CJ Mims from North Carolina and OL Tyreek Adams, will no doubt play starting minutes, but these are returners we know will make a difference.
Olson even acknowledges what fans all knew. Most of the returning talent is on the offensive side, and they had to build from scratch defensively. One of those players is CB Dezz Ricks, and it's safe to say the Aggies had two blanket corners for the last two seasons.
Texas A&M offensive talent and Dezz Ricks listed as key retentions for 2026
Marcel Reed, Rueben Owens II, Mario Craver and Mark Nabou Jr. were listed as key players. Owens II will be the de facto running back starter in front of Jamarion Morrow and Tiger Riden Jr.
Craver played a great role next to KC Concepcion, who is projected to be a late first-round pick. The sophomore WR finished with 59 catches, 917 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Nabou Jr. will be the veteran face of the offensive line, with four offensive linemen expected to be drafted. For Ricks, he was listed as the key player retained. With a bunch of defensive transfers set to come in, Ricks' return was the best news A&M could've received.
"They had a lot of work to do on defense in reloading via the portal, so getting Ricks locked in for another year was a big deal. The former Alabama transfer is entering his third season as a starter and allowed catches on just 40% of targets last year with nine pass breakups and two TDs allowed, per ESPN Research."Max Olson
He will no doubt be a massive impact player for the Aggies this fall.