CFB analyst lists Texas A&M junior WR as a 'rising player' in 2026
Texas A&M junior WR Ashton Bethel-Roman is considered rising player in the SEC, but is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury.
Texas A&M's 2026 wide receiver rotation will feature five newcomers, including four freshmen, led by former blue-chip prospect Aaron Gregory, who has consistently stood out during the first eight spring practices. From the transfer portal, former Alabama star receiver Isaiah Horton , who provides much-needed size at 6'4," with the ability to stretch the field and become a top red zone target. However, coach Mike Elko and new OC Holmon Wiggins are dealing with injuries to wide receivers Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey , who left practice over the last two weeks and have yet to return.
While no news is good news, the hope is that both players will be able to return to practice soon, even if it's just to work out on the sideline. Ashton Bethel-Roman, who flipped from Arkansas in the 2024 recruiting class, broke out last season, becoming a favorite target for starting quarterback Marcel Reed, and finished his first starting campaign with 24 receptions, 503 yards, and five touchdowns, averaging a highly impressive 21 yards per catch. With the addition of Isaiah Horton, Bethel-Roman will now be able to move around and play in the slot or the Z to utilize his speed and physicality after the catch, and with star wide receiver Mario Craver leading the room, this will force opposing coverage to bracket Horton or Craver, allowing Bethel-Roman to become the go-to target.
Whenever Bethel-Roman returns, the Missouri City (TX) native is nationally viewed as a "rising" star in the SEC, as Athlon's Steven Lassan listed the junior wideout as one of six SEC wide receivers to watch ahead of the 2026 season. In ten games last season, Bethel-Roman recorded a career-high 139 yards during the Aggies' epic comeback wins. Which players are set to break out this season in the SEC?
@AthlonSteven 's list of Rising Players for 2026⤵️ pic. twitter. com/eNTreIfBfm — SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) April 3, 2026 Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.