Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko, players said after the spring game

Texas A&M's 2026 Maroon & White Game took place on Saturday afternoon, and was moved up two hours due to inclement weather in the area, and for third-year head coach Mike Elko, it's hard to know just how ready his newly formed roster will be before the fall, but given the returning and incoming talent from the transfer portal and 2026 signing class, the Aggies should be in good shape. In a game dominated by defense, freshman quarterback Helaman Casuga rebounded after his early pick-six, throwing the game-winning touchdown to tight end Luke Braden, resulting in a massive celebration from both sidelines. However, after senior linebacker Daymion Sanford suffered what looks like a serious lower-body injury, the mood in Kyle Field immediately changed.

Still, the addition of former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton may end up as the most impactful offseason move in the SEC, especially after losing KC Concepcion to the NFL Draft, and on Saturday, Horton led the game in receiving, averaging over 16 yards per reception, while making one of the better catches you'll see in any spring game this weekend. Overall, Texas A&M's defense should be the Aggies strength, as Colorado transfer safety Tawfiq Byard and former Northwestern edge Anto Saka impressed, while freshman cornerback Brandon Arrington was in tight coverage throughout the day. On special teams, Texas A&M's kicking woes might be a thing of the past after transfer kicker David Olano and five-star freshman Asher Murray combined to finish 5-5 with makes from 53, 39, 33, 29, and 28 yards.

Texas A&M's 2026 quarterback room looks to be in better shape than expected, especially from an injury perspective, now knowing that Brady Hart has grown as a passer, providing insurance behind Marcel Reed. After the game, Mike Elko, running back Jamarion Morrow, Isaiah Horton , and linebacker Noah Mikhail spoke to the media. Mike Elko confirmed that Daymion Sanford suffered a lower-body injury, but did not provide an official update "We'll figure it out.

" Elko's immediate reaction after the spring game "It was a really tough spring ball. It was a really good opportunity for us to get better and develop the core values we needed to. It was an exciting, close game that came down to the last play.