RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - DECEMBER 20: Daymion Sanford (27) of the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half in a College Football Playoff First Round Game at Kyle Field on December 20, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Next up in our position previews, we continue with the defensive side of the ball. It feels like linebacker has been a relatively stable position over the past few years at Texas A&M, but as one group moves on, another must rise. Let’s dig a little deeper into the LBs.
Who did we lose?
Taurean York was the anchor of this Texas A&M defense for the past three years as the Mike linebacker. York signed with the Broncos as an UDFA ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
The Aggies are also replacing Scooby Williams this year. Williams battled through injury in 2025 but was a solid contributor when healthy.
Leaving Texas A&M through the portal this offseason was Tristan Jernigan . The Mississippi product is headed west and will play for Cal in 2026.
Who do we bring back?
Daymion Sanford is the player tabbed as the replacement locker room leader on the defensive side of the ball following the departure of Taurean York. Sanford had some incredible moments last season but gave Aggie fans quite a scare after suffering an injury in the Spring game. The good news? It appears Sanford’s recovery has gone well, as he is practicing with the team here at the start of fall camp .
Along with Sanford, Texas A&M brings back Noah Mikhail and Jordan Lockhart . Lockhart has seen action in 21 games during his time in Aggieland, while Mikhail saw action in all 13 contests last season as a freshman. Mikhail in particular is a name I have circled for a breakout campaign.
What other names should we know?
The Aggies added a pair of experienced linebackers in the portal. Ray Coney transferred to Texas A&M after spending last season at Tulsa, while TJ Smith comes to the Aggies from Houston Christian.
Mike Elko signed four linebackers in the most recent high school class – Qui Beck , Tank King , Tamarion Watkins , and Storm Miller . I feel like the depth at the position is solid enough that the freshman won’t be called upon too often, but Tank King is an athlete that really intrigued me coming out of high school.
Overall Grade: B+
Replacing a leader like Taurean York is never easy, but I am excited about the talent Texas A&M had waiting in the wings at linebacker. However, I’ll always have worries when a player is returning from injury like Sanford, and that’s what keeps this grade from being higher. If Sanford returns at 100%, though, I think this unit could end up being one of the best in the country. My faith in Sanford’s ability, my expectation that Mikhail has a breakout year, and the addition of Coney in the portal really have me pretty high on this group. Now we see if they deliver.
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