Texas A&M fans have been anxiously awaiting the status of linebacker Scooby Williams since he was listed as questionable earlier in the week, but this is not the news they wanted to see. Pete Thamel of ESPN reports that Williams, a key player on the Aggies' defense, has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of the Aggies' kickoff against Auburn.
Texas A&M linebacker Scooby Williams (ankle) is doubtful today against Auburn, per ESPN sources. He's been considered questionable this week. pic.twitter.com/mryiYAXyue
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 27, 2025
This will be a blow to the Aggies' defense if Williams does indeed miss the game, as things appear to be trending currently. Scooby's presence provides some explosive athleticism in the middle of that unit, which has been a perfect complement to Taurean York's style of play.
Especially considering the penchant that Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold has for pulling the ball down and running, having Williams available for this game would have been extremely helpful. however, all is not lost here: the Aggies' depth may be able to pull through for them in this game.
Scooby Williams injury news trending badly for Texas A&M, but Aggies have reason for hope
Scooby missed the entirety of the second half of the Aggies' game against Notre Dame last week, but redshirt sophomore Daymion Sanford filled in for him quite nicely. His athleticism is top-shelf just like Scooby's, and he was consistently making the right play— including getting one of the Ags' two sacks on the day.
That's a definite plus for the Ags, and when you consider that Texas A&M allowed fewer points in the second half than they did in the first (16 as compared to 24) and forced the Irish to go three-and-out several times, it's clear that Sanford is far from a liability at the spot.
That said, you'd obviously much rather be at full strength if possible. The Aggies need to play their best football of the year on the defensive side today, and you obviously want all of your starters out there to increase the chances of that happening.
Sanford will give Aggie fans a reason for hope, but this also highlights even further how little the Ags can afford further injury on that side of the ball. In what will no doubt be an extremely physical game, Mike Elko's team will have to show some toughness in a big way.