Over the course of the weekend, Texas A&M was one of four national title hopefuls who saw its season come to an end. The No. 7 Aggies fell at home to the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes 10-3 in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Defense was not the problem for Mike Elko's team, as Marcel Reed and the rest of Collin Klein's offense could not get it into the end zone even one single time...
Now that the season is over, players like linebacker Taurean York are now contemplating their future.
"I've never been through something like this. That's what this week is for. I'm going to talk it through with my family. I'm going to pray and hope I land on the right direction."
York is draft-eligible and is coming off an All-SEC Second Team nod from this past college season.
Texas A&M LB Taurean York said he has not made a decision on if he will declare for the NFL Draft: "I've never been through something like this. That's what this week is for. I'm going to talk it through with my family. I'm going to pray and hope I land on the right direction."
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) December 20, 2025
At this point in time, York projects to be a borderline top-100 pick. He is one of three Aggies players with a third-round grade, per NFL Mock Draft Database. Only edge rusher Cashius Howell and wide receiver Kevin Concepcion have first-round grades. While Howell is out of eligibility, Concepcion could conceivably return to Texas A&M for one more year. He only played two seasons at NC State.
It probably serves York to return to school, but it really comes down to what his draft grade will be...
Taurean York contemplates entering the 2026 NFL Draft a year early
Look. Talent has rarely been the issue in College Station. Texas A&M can recruit with the best of them out of high school, as well as outspend anyone it chooses to entering the transfer portal. It has been about being more locked in and taking care of the little things that matter more so than anything. Mike Elko has been a breath of fresh air taking over the program, but he cannot do this on his own...
It is why Texas A&M could probably use York's veteran leadership for at least one more season. Finally getting a taste of what the College Football Playoff is all about should have guys with eligibility left chomping at the bit to return. Surely, Howell wishes that he could. As for Concepcion, he probably needs to turn pro if he has a first-round grade. As for York, one more year could do him some good.
Overall, York is absolutely right in his assessment of the situation. "That's what this week is for." There needs to be a bit of a cooling off period before York attempts to make the best decision for he and his family. All things equal, it probably serves him to come back for one more year to try to improve his draft stock for 2027. NIL is not a perfect idea, but paying good players to stay is what is designed for.
Whatever York and his family decide is best for them should be respected, regardless of its outcome.