Once again, Mike Elko knows how to keep the big ones, but this one requires an explanation.
Texas A&M safety Bryce Anderson has announced he is backing out of the transfer portal and returning to College Station for one more season. Anderson announced he was going to be in the portal a few days after the Miami loss, and we fully expected him to have his wish granted, but Texas A&M is keeping one of their familiar faces for another season.
Monday night has been a sigh of relief for the Aggies, as DT DJ Hicks was another one to announce his return to Aggieland. But the Anderson news is more surprising, only because he decided to leave and then come back all of a sudden.
Texas A&M S Bryce Anderson withdraws from portal, stays at A&M for 2026 season
Texas A&M Senior S Bryce Anderson has announced he will be withdrawing from the Transfer Portal, and be RETURNING to Texas A&M.
— Landyn Rosow (@LandynRosow) January 13, 2026
Anderson has totaled 117 tackles, 6 pass deflections and 2 interceptions in his career. pic.twitter.com/o7ghdzmq9s
I'm sure we'll hear about why Bryce Anderson decided to reverse course soon, but this was a change of heart that I'm sure required a lot of thought. Anderson sounded confident just two weeks ago when he thanked the fans on what he initially thought was an incredible career in College Station.
Bryce Anderson with a message to Texas A&M fans following the news he plans to hit the transfer portal:
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) December 30, 2025
“Thank you Aggieland for everything 👍🏼” pic.twitter.com/MmDUaOUFs3
It sure sounded like he was ready to go off somewhere, but instead, he will use his final year of eligibility with the Aggies. The safety position is now loaded, with Colorado transfer Tawfiq Byard and Marcus Radcliffe returning. This is a blessing for Elko and his defense.
ESPN already listed Texas A&M as a team that has gotten off to a hot start in the portal. Elko isn't done by any means, so expect him to keep cooking.