'I believe in Marcel Reed': Texas A&M WR explains transfer decision
Texas A&M transfer Isaiah Horton further explains why he chose the Aggies, citing coach Mike Elko's 'culture' and QB Marcel Reed.
Texas A&M's seventh spring football practice took place on Thursday afternoon, serving as the third practice open to the media, which provided plenty of clarity regarding the progress coach Mike Elko and his newly formed coaching staff have made with a roster that now includes 17 transfer portal additions, combined with 25 of 26 freshmen from the 2026 signing class. Among the 17 portal players, former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton has consistently stood out, which is no surprise given his impressive reลume during his first three years at Miami, and one season with the Crimson Tide, while his 6'4" frame and and versatility provides starting quarterback Marcel Reed another reliable option in the passing game, joining star wideout Mario Craver, along with starters Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey. Earlier this offseason, Horton , who could have easily returned for a final season at Alabama, explained in multiple interviews that Texas A&M's recent success after making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season, combined with his relationship with Marcel Reed, going back to their high school playing days in Tennessee, sealed the deal as soon as he entered the transfer portal.
Horton once again spoke to the media after Thursday's practice, echoing his previous statements that Texas A&M that Mike Elko's "culture," and his belief in Marcel Reed's ability to push the ball down the field were the primary reasons he landed in College Station for the 2026 season. โI believe in coach Elko, the culture heโs building here, I believe in Marcel Reed. โฆ I believe in him with all my heart, and I believe in this program, and I believe in this culture.
โ Since the 2022 season, Isaiah Horton has produced 1,301 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, including a career-high 8 touchdowns in 2025. Alabama WR transfer Isaiah Horton on why he came to Texas A&M: โI believe in coach Elko, the culture heโs building here, I believe in Marcel Reed. โฆ I believe in him with all my heart, and I believe in this program, and I believe in this culture.
โ pic. twitter. com/PP8b8aB9kH โ Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) April 2, 2026 Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.