Texas A&M has picked up a commitment from former Colorado defensive back Tawfiq Byard, poaching a player that many Buffalo fans considered to be the best on their defense and a potential all-American talent. The Aggies needed some help on the back end of their defense, and they're getting that in a massive way with Byard, who is the younger brother of NFL All-Pro Kevin Byard.
#Colorado’s Tawfiq Byard (#7) was one of my favorite Safeties to watch this year.
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) December 5, 2025
Younger brother of All-Pro Kevin Byard, Tawfiq is a big hitter, good coverage reps, 79 tackles and 2 FFs this year. Won’t declare as a RS Sophomore, but fun name to watch for the 2027 draft. pic.twitter.com/qFvBhHh5HX
No matter which way you wish to evaluate safeties, Byard grades out as an elite talent. He is a veritable no-fly zone in coverage, and you only need consult the video above to see what kind of a heavy hitter he can be.
Former Colorado Safety Tawfiq Byard has committed to Texas A&M
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 4, 2026
🔒 ZERO Career TDs Allowed (522 Coverage Snaps) pic.twitter.com/Mbumt7izml
Texas A&M poaches elite defensive back Tawfiq Byard from Colorado to build out safety room
This is a big swing for the Aggies, pulling an elite defensive back right out from under the nose of one of the best to ever play the position in Deion Sanders. Obviously, there are some issues in Boulder, but a guy that was able to convince Travis Hunter to follow him to Jackson State and Colorado is not a guy that should be underestimated when it comes to recruiting ability.
Former Colorado Safety Tawfiq Byard (@byard_tawfiq) on his decision to transfer to Texas A&M over other schools:
— College Football Edits (@CollegeEdits) January 5, 2026
“The conversations I had with Coach Elko and Coach Ish made it a no-brainer. Coach Elko is a mastermind on the defensive side of the ball. The versatility the defense… pic.twitter.com/fAUpEEf1dv
Tawfiq is clearly high on his fit in this defense, as well as the Aggies' chances to do big things next season, as you can tell from his above quote. That has to get Aggie fans fired up.
Byard will no doubt be a major contributor to the Aggies when it comes to the defensive backfield. His ability is clear, and while he may not be as hard of a hitter as Dalton Brooks, he is obviously very physical and is better in coverage than Brooks.
Along with Rashad Johnson, who was hurt most of last year, this is looking to be an elite safety room for the Aggies this upcoming year. It was difficult for teams to go over A&M's heads in the pass game this past season, and especially with the recent retention of Dezz Ricks, the Aggies look like they may be in elite form when it comes to pass defense once again in 2026.