CFB analyst believes Texas A&M's deep O-line could lead to CFP Title
While losing four offensive line starters isn't great, Texas A&M's immense depth in the trenches is highly underrated, and will be the key to the CFP.
Texas A&M's 2026 offseason was extremely productive for third-year head coach Mike Elko and his staff, who added 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with 26 additions from the 2026 signing class. After watching a record 10 players hear their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four starting offensive linemen, the Aggies will look vastly different this fall. Still, this roster is highly talented, and with redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed returning for his third season, and second as the full-time starter, while former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton brings much-needed size at 6'4" to an already established receiver room.
On defense, new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill isn't short of options at every position, and while replacing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell won't be easy, Northwestern transfer Anto Saka is the real deal, looking utterly dominant as the team's big defensive end, while Colorado transfer Tawfiq Byard provides starting-level depth to one of the deeper safety rooms in the country. However, after adding four SEC starting offensive linemen from the transfer portal, Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing are hoping that, paired with several rising second-year linemen, this group will be able to rotate throughout the season, given the size and experience, especially at guard. So, is Texas A&M's roster good enough to not just contend for a second straight trip to the College Football Playoff, but a National Championship?
CFP voice Josh Pate apparently thinks so, and instead of completely focusing on Marcel Reed needing to take the vaunted "next step," Pate highlighted the Aggies' deep offensive line, referencing his recent discussion with various A&M staff members this spring that they believe this group has nine starter-level players. During the Maroon & White Game , Elko and Cushing utilized this depth as both starting offensive lines looked the part, especially on the ground, opening plenty of holes for sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow. Right now, I personally predict that all four transfers will start, with Tyree Adams at left tackle, Coen Echols at left guard, Trovon Baugh at right guard, and Wilkin Formby at right tackle, while lone returning starter Mark Nabou will return at center.
Yes, Marcel Reed needs to improve his accuracy, touch, and decision-making in the pocket, and while this will be up to QB coach Joey Lynch, a deep offensive line with the versatility to play multiple positions will help the Tennessee native reach his full potential under center. “Personnel wise Texas A&M is good enough to WIN IT ALL” - @JoshPateCFB on @AggieFootball is good enough to go all the way pic. twitter.