2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ISSUE
ALSO INSIDE SOCCER CAMP LEROY BURRELL FOOTBALL CAMP AND MORE...
MARCEL REED
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AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
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CONTENTS FEATURES
18
AGGIES OPEN FALL SOCCER CAMP
20
TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL PREVIEW
We break down by position the 2026 team. BY ROB HAVENS ‘88
22
OPPONENTS FOOTBALL PREVIEW
We take a closer look at all 12 teams the Aggies play this fall. BY ROB HAVENS ‘88
28
LEROY BURRELL NAMED NEW TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH Trev Alberts Hires Burrell to lead program. BY ROB HAVENS ‘88
29
FOOTBALL OPENS FALL CAMP
IN EVERY ISSUE
ROB HAVENS ‘88
Publisher’s Note Snapshots Scoreboard The 12th Man
04 06 15 30
ON THE COVER: Marcel Reed saws’em off with his teammates after an Aggie win in 2025. Photo by Rob Havens ‘88.
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Howdy Ags! The long hot days of summer are coming to an end, and the 2026-2027 sports calendar has already begun! The Aggie soccer team, under the direction of new head coach Bobby Shuttleworth, kicked off the sports year with a 3-0 exhibition win over Incarnate Word. The new soccer coaching staff brings lots of new energy and passion to Ellis Field, and we look forward to them building on the strong foundation that already exists here in Aggieland. Our football team has been working all summer to prepare for the upcoming season, and having watched the first couple of practices, I can report that the guys are bigger, faster, and stronger than they were in the spring. At a preseason press conference, I asked Coach Elko if it made it easier on the staff in year three to hit fall camp with the foundation already set, with players knowing the expectations and the standard that had been established. Elko replied, “This program has had a really hard time doubling down on success. That’s our challenge. That is a challenge and a puzzle that has not been cracked here before… I think this will be the most challenging season we have had. We’ve got to replace a lot of talented players, go to some really challenging places, and we’ve got to have the same level of success that we’re expecting as a program, that we’ve established as the standard for this program. So to me, all of that creates what looks to me like the most challenging season that we’ve had in the last three seasons.” What I love about Elko is that he doesn’t try to sugarcoat things. He knows what it’s going to take to win a championship, and he’s ready to get it done. We have the talent, we just have to stay healthy and get better every day! Inside this issue, we break down by position this year’s team and preview all 12 opponents. We also welcome our new track & field head coach, Leroy Burrell. We look forward to the year ahead and have great expectations for all of our sports.
Thanks & Gig’em!
FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES ON ALL THINGS AGGIE SPORTS, BE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER!
@AGGIELANDILLUSTRATED
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AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Rob Havens ‘88
rob@aggiemag.com | 979.229.8046 CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Sarah Pyatt ‘14 COPY EDITORS
Chelsea O’Neal Sweat ‘17 David Havens ‘27 GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sarah Pyatt ‘14
Aggieland Illustrated is an independently owned, Aggie owned and operated publication and in no way reflects the views or opinions of Texas A&M University. Aggieland Illustrated (ISSN 1932-9105) is published six times a year in the United States by Aggieland Illustrated, 3804 Gold Finch Circle, College Station, TX 77845-6220. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphics content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Photographs and manuscripts for publication are welcome but will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Address all subscription inquiries and change of address requests to Aggieland Illustrated, 3804 Gold Finch Circle, College Station, TX 77845. Allow up to eight weeks for response. ©2006-2025 AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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SNAPSHOT
AND THEY’RE OFF Coach Joey Lynch gets his quarterbacks competing in a sprint drill on the first day of fall camp. Marcell Reed returns as the starter, with Brady Hart entering camp as the backup. Coach Elko said that redshirt freshman Eli Morcos and true freshman Helaman Casuga will compete for the backup role. Photo by Rob Havens ‘88
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SNAPSHOT
NEW VOICE AT ELLIS FIELD New Head Coach Bobby Shuttleworth brought lots of passion to the first fall practice for Aggie Soccer. The media got to see the new coaching staff in action on day one of fall camp. Shuttleworth was a professional goalkeeper for 14 seasons in Major League Soccer before becoming a coach. He helped Florida State win 2 national championships in his four years as an assistant coach. He is only the second head coach to lead the Aggie Soccer program. Photo by Rob Havens ‘88
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AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
SNAPSHOT
MAX EFFORT Northwestern Grad Transfer Anto Saka turned heads at fall camp with his size, strength, and effort. Saka is ready to join a long list of Texas A&M defensive linemen who have broken out on the scene as Aggies and vaulted up the NFL prospect list. Photo by Rob Havens ‘88
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SNAPSHOT
SOCCER KICKS OFF NEW SEASON The Aggies got the new season started with a 3-0 exhibition victory over Incarnate Word. The team dominated the contest, outshooting the Cardinals 18-6. Returners Leah Diaz and Holly Storer scored goals, as well as newcomer Ireland Churchill. The Aggies were able to insert several players on the field, including all three goalies who combined to record a shutout. Photo by Rob Havens ‘88
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MEN’S BASKETBALL The media were invited to practice this summer to see the reloaded basketball team. The Aggies traveled to the Bahamas in August for the Baha Mar Summer League, which included three games against international teams. Texas A&M won all three games, scoring in the 100s in each contest: 112-88, 141-61, and 101-49.
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SOCCER Texas A&M began a new era under head coach Bobby Shuttleworth last December. They defeated Incarnate Word 3-0 in their first exhibition match to kick off the season. Lots of new faces on the team, but the Aggies played together really well and dominated the Cardinals on shots 18-6.
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In the offseason, there were some big changes to the coaching staff. Collin Klein moved on to be a head coach at his alma mater, Kansas State. Coach Holman Wiggins was promoted to offensive coordinator and will be calling plays for the first time. Elko elevated Joey Lynch from senior offensive analyst to quarterbacks coach. Jay Bateman moved on to Kentucky after Lyle Hemphill was named the new defensive coordinator and Elijah Robinson returned to coach the defensive line. Quarterback Marcel Reed begins his fourth season with the Aggies after starting all 13 games last season. He completed 234 of his 377 pass attempts last year for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also added 493 yards on the ground with six touchdowns. Backing him up is Brady Hart, who looked really good in the spring game, and true freshman Helaman Casuga, who threw the
2026
TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL PREVIEW
The Aggies took a big step last year by going 11-1 in the regular season and earning a bid to the CFP. They were literally one play away from an opportunity to advance to the second round of the playoffs. It’s insane to think that in order for the Aggies to play in the SEC Championship game at the end of last season they had to go undefeated. Moving forward, the goal is simple: it’s time to win championships! Coach Elko and staff have done an unbelievable job of recruiting, evaluating talent in the portal, and then developing our players into championship-caliber athletes. It’s time to put some hardware in the trophy room!
BY ROB HAVENS ‘88
last-second game-winning touchdown in the M&W game. Reuben Owens II leads the running backs room after sharing the backfield with LeVeon Moss last season. He is ready to showcase what he can do this year. Jamarion Morrow and Tiger Riden Jr return from last year, and highly touted freshman KJ Edwards will battle for carries. The Aggies also added Arkansas St transfer DD Murray to provide more depth. Mario Craver is back for another year, and Elko and company expect great things from the speedster who made big plays last year. Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman will be big targets for Reed, and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton looks to fill the big shoes that KC Concepcion left behind. The offensive line had a lot of holes to fill after four talented starters left, but Elko is confident in the portal players he brought in and the young players that have developed in backup roles to make this line better and deeper than last year. Veteran center Mark Nabou will anchor the Aggie offensive line. A pair of former LSU Tigers, Tyree Adams and Coen Echols are great additions to this year’s team. Wilkin Formby from Alabama and Trovon Bough from South Carolina round out a talented group of linemen that need to mesh quickly for the Ags to have a successful 2026. Our tight end room features senior team captain Micah Riley, Fresno State’s Richie Anderson, and former College Station High product Houston Thomas,
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After taking over the defensive playcalling duties last year, Elko cemented the importance of his having an active role on game day with our defense on the field. The Aggies ranked fifth in the SEC in defense last year and hope to improve in 2026. Before the season began, Elko claimed that this year’s defensive backs group is the best and deepest he has had since he started coaching at Texas A&M. Team captain and star safety Marcus Ratcliffe headlines the group. Bigplay and hard-hitting Dalton Brooks returns along with Dezz Ricks and Julio Humphrey on the back end. The Aggies added Tennessee transfer Rickey Gibson and Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard to this year’s group as well. Bryce Anderson returns for one more year, and Jordan Shaw at the nickel spot.
2026 SCHEDULE
ROB HAVENS ‘88
The Aggies lost linebacker Daymion
Sanford to a leg injury in the Maroon & White game, but according to what he told reporters at SEC Media Days, it wasn’t as bad as he thought. The Aggies need him back sooner rather than later, after losing Taurean York and Scooby Williams to the NFL. Noah Mikhail, TJ Smith, and Jordan Lockhart have to step up in his absence, and Senior transfer Ray Coney needs to produce right away. The addition of Elijah Robinson should help as the Aggies reload on the defensive line. DJ Hicks returns along with TJ Searcy, and Marco Jones is chomping at the bit to show what he can do. Sam M’Pemba is looking for more snaps as well. The Aggies also added high-profile difference makers in Northwestern transfer defensive end Anto Saka, North Carolina defensive tackle transfer CJ Mims, San Diego St transfer Ryan Henderson, and Illinois transfer Angelo McCollom. Newcomer Bryce Perry-Wright will add immediate depth as well. The Aggies look to
SEP. 5
VS MISSOURI STATE
OCT. 17
VS THE CITADEL
SEP. 12
VS ARIZONA STATE
OCT. 24
@ ALABAMA
SEP. 19
VS KENTUCKY
NOV. 7
@ SOUTH CAROLINA
SEP. 26
@ LSU
NOV. 14
VS TENNESSEE
OCT. 3
VS ARKANSAS
NOV. 21
@ OKLAHOMA
OCT. 10
@ MISSOURI
NOV. 27
VS TEXAS
continue one of their best traditions of developing defensive linemen that make it to the NFL. Our special teams got much better in the offseason as the Aggies signed the best kicker in the portal from Illinois, David Olano. They also picked up Louisiana transfer Asher Murray, who will compete for the starting job. Tyler White returns at punter and will compete against Jared White and Alex Abbott. The Aggies also got a new deep snapper from Oklahoma State, Shea Freibaum. Returning punts and kickoffs will be Mario Craver and Terry Bussey. The Aggies have a tougher schedule than last year, but they have the talent and the coaching to compete for championships. At SEC Media Days, Hall of Famer Nick Saban said everything at A&M has gotten better since Mike Elko took over. It’s time to take the next step, beat tu and win some trophies!
2025 RECORD
who transferred from UTSA. Kiotti Armstrong and KK Johnson will also battle for playing time.
OVERALL
11 - 2
CONFERENCE
7-1
HOME
7-1
AWAY
4-1
NEUTRAL
0-0
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01
MISSOURI STATE
OCT. 20
@ DELAWARE
SEP. 12
VS LINDENWOOD
OCT. 27
VS SAM HOUSTON
SEP. 19
VS MARSHALL
NOV. 7
@ FIU
SEP. 26
@ SMU
NOV. 14
VS NEW MEXICO STATE
OCT. 8
@ WESTERN KENTUCKY
NOV. 21
@JACKSONVILLE STATE
OCT. 14
VS KENNESAW STATE
NOV. 28
VS. LIBERTY
OVERALL
7-6
CONFERENCE
5-3
HOME
3-3
AWAY
4-2
NEUTRAL
0-1
OVERALL
8-5
CONFERENCE
6-3
HOME
5-2
AWAY
3-2
NEUTRAL
0-1
PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSOURI STATE
@ TEXAS A&M
2025 RECORD
02
SEP. 5
2025 RECORD
2026 SCHEDULE
After a successful 7-6 campaign in its first season in the FBS, Missouri St has a new coaching staff led by new head coach Casey Woods from SMU. Woods hired new offensive coordinator Mark Cala from UTEP. Woods and Cala like to run a hurry-up offense and spread the field. Quarterback Skyler Locklear followed Cala from UTEP and is a dual-threat QB who threw 13 touchdown passes and ran for 8 more last season, having only started about half the year. Henry Belin IV from Duke will also be competing for the starting job under center. The Bears lost 1,000-yard rusher Shomari Lawrence last year at running back, but Ramone Green Jr. and transfer Breezy Dubar will battle for playing time in the backfield. The defensive coaching staff is led by Jack Curtis, who spent the last three seasons as a defensive analyst for Auburn. He will likely run a 4-3 defense and will count on Caden Wiest at defensive end to have a breakout year. MSU has nine new defensive linemen that will face a veteran offensive line at Texas A&M.
ARIZONA STATE
22
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SEP. 5
VS MORGAN STATE
OCT. 24
VS KANSAS STATE
SEP. 12
@ TEXAS A&M
OCT. 31
@ BYU
SEP. 19
@ KANSAS
NOV. 7
VS COLORADO
OCT. 3
VS BAYLOR
NOV. 14
@ UCF
OCT. 10
VS HAWAII
NOV. 21
VS OKLAHOMA STATE
OCT. 17
@ TEXAS TECH
NOV. 28
@ ARIZONA
AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOMMY FERNANDEZ
2026 SCHEDULE
The Sun Devils lost a lot of their key players from last year’s squad, including their star quarterback who jumped ship to go to LSU, but ASU kept their head coach, Kenny Dillingham, who had his choice among coaching jobs around the country. Most experts believe 6’5 Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley will get the nod at starting QB. The Devils were able to run the ball last season and hope that Villanova transfer David Avit will be a big-time producer at running back this season after rushing for almost 700 yards last year with eight touchdowns. Dillingham filled holes at wide receiver with Boston College’s Reed Harris, Colorado’s Omarion Miller and Washington’s Raiden Vines-Bright. The top returning playmakers on defense include defensive end Clayton Smith and defensive lineman C.J. Fite. They also return linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and have Rodney Bimage Jr. and Montana Warren on the back end. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, this will be a Red, White & Blue Out at Kyle Field!
03
KENTUCKY
OCT. 17
@ OKLAHOMA
SEP. 12
VS ALABAMA
OCT. 24
VS VANDERBILT
SEP. 19
@ TEXAS A&M
NOV. 7
@ TENNESSEE
SEP. 26
VS SOUTH ALABAMA
NOV. 14
VS FLORIDA
OCT. 3
@ SOUTH CAROLINA
NOV. 21
@ MISSOURI
OCT. 10
VS LSU
NOV. 28
VS LOUISVILLE
OVERALL
5-7
CONFERENCE
2-6
HOME
4-3
AWAY
1-4
NEUTRAL
0-0
OVERALL
7-6
CONFERENCE
3-5
HOME
6-1
AWAY
1-4
NEUTRAL
0-1
PHOTO COURTESY OF KENTUCKY
VS YOUNGSTOWN STATE
2025 RECORD
04
SEP. 5
2025 RECORD
2026 SCHEDULE
The Wildcats have a new head coach and a brand new attitude in 2026, and the Aggies will have their hands full for their first conference game. Will Stein returns to the state of Kentucky, where he played quarterback from 2008-2012 for the Louisville Cardinals. Stein spent the last 3 seasons as the OC for Oregon before accepting his first college head coaching job. Stein is already showing he can recruit great talent, starting with Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey and former Texas stud running back CJ Baxter. Stein’s portal class was ranked in the top ten and included three stud offensive linemen: Tennessee’s Lance Heard, Ohio State’s Tegra Tshabola and Baylor’s Coleton Price. The Aggie offense will see a similar look on defense as former Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman is now in Lexington, and he would like nothing better than to show his ability to call the defense in Aggieland. The Cats will have a 346-pound defender to clog up the middle in Purdue transfer Jamarrion Harkless.
LSU
SEP. 5
VS CLEMSON
OCT. 17
VS MISSISSIPPI STATE
SEP. 12
VS LOUISIANA TECH
OCT. 24
@ AUBURN
SEP. 19
@ OLE MISS
NOV. 7
VS ALABAMA
SEP. 26
VS TEXAS A&M
NOV. 14
VS TEXAS
OCT. 3
VS MCNEESE
NOV. 21
@ TENNESSEE
OCT. 10
@ KENTUCKY
NOV. 28
@ ARKANSAS
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PHOTO COURTESY OF LSU
2026 SCHEDULE
In 2025, the Aggies went to Baton Rouge and dominated the Tigers in the second half, ending the LSU coaching career of Brian Kelly. The administration wasted little time in targeting journeyman Lane Kiffin to be their next head coach. He led a mutiny that brought six assistants with him, including offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. He also tried his best to bring quarterback Trinidad Chambliss with him, but couldn’t seal the deal. Instead, Kiffin enticed Sam Leavitt to leave Arizona State and join him on the bayou. A total of 33 players left LSU during the offseason, and Kiffin and staff signed 43 portal players that ranked as the number one transfer class in the country. Colorado offensive left tackle Jordan Seaton was a huge pickup for the Tigers. While retaining 6’8 tight end Trey Dez’Green and running backs Harlem Berry and Caden Durham, who combined for almost a thousand yards of rushing last fall. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker was one of the few holdovers that Kiffin retained.
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05
ARKANSAS
OCT. 17
@ VANDERBILT
SEP. 12
@ UTAH
OCT. 31
VS MISSOURI
SEP. 19
VS GEORGIA
NOV. 7
@ AUBURN
SEP. 26
VS TULSA
NOV. 14
VS SOUTH CAROLINA
OCT. 3
@ TEXAS A&M
NOV. 21
@ TEXAS
OCT. 10
VS TENNESSEE
NOV. 28
VS LSU
OVERALL
2 - 10
CONFERENCE
0-8
HOME
2-5
AWAY
0-5
NEUTRAL
0-0
OVERALL
8-5
CONFERENCE
4-4
HOME
6-2
AWAY
2-2
NEUTRAL
0-1
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARKANSAS
VS NORTH ALABAMA
2025 RECORD
06
SEP. 5
2025 RECORD
2026 SCHEDULE
The Southwest Classic moves to College Station, and the Hogs have a new coaching staff and 80 new players. Ryan Silverfield became the new coach after an impressive five-year run at Memphis. The Razorbacks were picked by the SEC media to finish last in the league in 2026, but as history has shown, when these two teams play, it’s always a battle. Quarterback AJ Hill followed Silverfield to Arkansas and will compete with returner KJ Jackson for the starting gig. Former Aggie tight end Jaden Platt returns after playing in all 12 games for the Hogs last season. He’s expected to be one of the top players for the Hogs this fall. The Aggies will also face Chris Marshall, who was suspended by Jimbo Fisher in ‘22 and later left the program. After another suspension at Ole Miss, Marshall played at Kilgore College and Boise State before arriving in Fayetteville. Ron Roberts is the new defensive coordinator, and linebacker Bradley Shaw anchors the defense.
MISSOURI
24
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SEP. 3
VS ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF
OCT. 17
@ OLE MISS
SEP. 11
@ KANSAS
OCT. 31
@ ARKANSAS
SEP. 19
VS TROY
NOV. 7
VS TEXAS
SEP. 26
@ MISSISSIPPI STATE
NOV. 14
@ GEORGIA
OCT. 3
VS FLORIDA
NOV. 21
VS KENTUCKY
OCT. 10
VS TEXAS A&M
NOV. 28
VS OKLAHOMA
AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSOURI
2026 SCHEDULE
Eli Drinkwitz addressed the toughest blow to his team during SEC Media Days when he said that stud running back Ahmad Hardy was recovering from a gunshot wound and the date of his return to action on the field was unknown. Hardy has rushed for 3,000 yards in the last two years with 19 touchdowns, and is one of the best running backs in the country. Talented Ole Miss transfer quarterback Austin Simmons looks to be the starter at quarterback. He was the starter for the Rebels in 2025 before suffering an ankle injury against Kentucky. Wide receiver Cayden Lee joined Simmons in transferring from Ole Miss to Mizzou in a big get for Drinkwitz. Last year’s Tiger defense finished eighth best in the country, but defensive coordinator Corey Batoon has his work cut out for him with lots of new starters. Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez was second on the team in tackles and will anchor this year’s club from his linebacker spot. Santanna Banner was third on the team in tackles last year and will return at safety.
07
THE CITADEL
OCT. 17
@ TEXAS A&M
SEP. 5
@ CHARLOTTE
OCT. 24
VS TENNESSEE TECH
SEP. 12
VS CHARLESTON SOUTHERN
OCT. 31
@ MERCER
SEP. 26
VS CHATTANOOGA
NOV. 7
VS FURMAN
OCT. 3
@ SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
NOV. 14
@ VMI
OCT. 10
VS ETSU
NOV. 21
@ WESTERN CAROLINA
OVERALL
4-8
CONFERENCE
3-5
HOME
2-4
AWAY
2-4
NEUTRAL
0-0
OVERALL
11 - 4
CONFERENCE
7-1
HOME
6-1
AWAY
5-1
NEUTRAL
0-2
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITADEL
@ WOFFORD
2025 RECORD
08
AUG. 29
2025 RECORD
2026 SCHEDULE
Game seven has a military flair to it as the Fightin’ Texas Aggies, with a corps enrollment of approximately 2400 members, will take on the Military College of South Carolina, which was established in 1842, The Citadel. The school has approximately 2,800 undergraduate students. The Bulldogs are coached by Maurice Drayton, who begins his fourth year at the helm. They are led by firstteam Preseason All-Southern Conference quarterback Quentin Hayes, who appeared in 11 games last season, completing 58 of 92 passes for 897 yards and eight touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback was also the leading rusher on the team, adding 682 yards rushing with seven scores. Upfront, the Bulldog offensive line is anchored by Tyler Heggins-Hill, who was also recognized as a preseason first-teamer. The Raleigh, North Carolina product helped The Citadel rushing game average 210 yards a game last season while only allowing 1.67 sacks per game, good enough for second in the Southern Conference.
ALABAMA
SEP. 5
VS EAST CAROLINA
OCT. 17
@ TENNESSEE
SEP. 12
@ KENTUCKY
OCT. 24
VS. TEXAS A&M
SEP. 19
VS FLORIDA STATE
NOV. 7
@ LSU
SEP. 26
VS SOUTH CAROLINA
NOV. 14
@ VANDERBILT
OCT. 3
@ MISSISSIPPI STATE
NOV. 21
VS CHATTANOOGA
OCT. 10
VS GEORGIA
NOV. 28
VS AUBURN
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ALABAMA
2026 SCHEDULE
It’s the third season under Kalen DeBoer, and the Tide is not the same program that intimidated every school that arrived at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide lost 4 games last year and were beaten soundly in the Rose Bowl by Indiana 38-3. There is a two-horse race for quarterback with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell battling for QB1. Alabama struggled to run the ball last year (125th in the nation), so DeBoer sought help through the portal to boost the offensive line. Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and AK Dear will battle for playing time in the backfield. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams is one of the most dynamic players in the country, and DeBoer expects big things from him this season. The Tide defense finished the season 13th in the nation last year and should be in great shape again this fall. Zabien Brown leads the secondary that was number one in pass defense in the SEC last year.
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09
SOUTH CAROLINA
OCT. 24
VS TENNESSEE
SEP. 12
VS TOWSON
OCT. 31
@ OKLAHOMA
SEP. 19
VS MISSISSIPPI STATE
NOV. 7
VS TEXAS A&M
SEP. 26
@ ALABAMA
NOV. 14
@ ARKANSAS
OCT. 3
VS. KENTUCKY
NOV. 21
VS GEORGIA
OCT. 10
@ FLORIDA
NOV. 28
@ CLEMSON
OVERALL
4-8
CONFERENCE
1-7
HOME
3-4
AWAY
0-4
NEUTRAL
1-0
OVERALL
8-5
CONFERENCE
4-4
HOME
4-3
AWAY
3-1
NEUTRAL
1-1
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
VS KENT STATE
2025 RECORD
10
SEP. 5
2025 RECORD
2026 SCHEDULE
Coach Shane Beamer is definitely on the hot seat after big expectations before last season turned into major disappointments in a 4-8 season. The good news for Gamecock fans is that super-talented LaNorris Sellers is back. Wide receiver Nyck Harbor returns after averaging 20 yards per catch last year and is considered to be one of the fastest players in college football. Purdue transfer Nitro Tuggle joins Carolina and brings the speed to the field as well; he caught 34 passes for 500 yards last season with four touchdowns. Matt Fuller returns at running back, and they need him to have a big year. On defense, the Cocks picked up Illinois transfer defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye, who earned co-Newcomer of the Spring. The linebacker room returns Justin Okoronkwo and Fred “JayR” Johnson, who combined for 150 tackles last fall. Shane Beamer is a good coach and can turn this program around, but will the alumni have the patience to wait?
TENNESSEE
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SEP. 5
VS FURMAN
OCT. 17
VS ALABAMA
SEP. 12
@ GEORGIA TECH
OCT. 24
@ SOUTH CAROLINA
SEP. 19
VS KENNESAW STATE
NOV. 7
VS KENTUCKY
SEP. 26
VS TEXAS
NOV. 14
@ TEXAS A&M
OCT. 3
VS AUBURN
NOV. 21
VS LSU
OCT. 10
@ ARKANSAS
NOV. 28
@ VANDERBILT
AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
PHOTO COURTESY OF TENNESSEE
2026 SCHEDULE
The Aggies announced that the November 14th contest against the Vols would be a Blackout game at Kyle Field. Head coach Josh Heupel has his work cut out for him as three guys will battle for the starting quarterback spot in fall camp: Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, redshirt sophomore George McIntyre and five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon. Staub has the most experience with 98 career pass attempts and two starts for Deion Sanders. MacIntyre knows the system the best, and Brandon has the most upside. DeSean Bishop returns after rushing for close to 1,100 yards with 16 touchdowns last year. They have a talented wide receiver room with Braylon Staley, Mike Matthews, Redarius Jackson, and Joakim Dodson. Heupel added Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles to his coaching staff to rebuild a defense that ranked 14th in the SEC last season. Knowles was at Penn State last year and brought linebacker Amare Campbell with him. He posted 64 solo tackles last year with three sacks.
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OKLAHOMA
OCT. 24
@ MISSISSIPPI STATE
SEP. 12
@ MICHIGAN
OCT. 31
VS SOUTH CAROLINA
SEP. 19
VS NEW MEXICO
NOV. 7
@ FLORIDA
SEP. 26
@ GEORGIA
NOV. 14
VS OLE MISS
OCT. 10
VS TEXAS
NOV. 21
VS TEXAS A&M
OCT. 17
VS KENTUCKY
NOV. 28
@ MISSOURI
OVERALL
10 - 3
CONFERENCE
6-2
HOME
6-2
AWAY
4-0
NEUTRAL
0-1
OVERALL
10 - 3
CONFERENCE
6-2
HOME
6-0
AWAY
2-3
NEUTRAL
2-0
PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA
VS UTEP
2025 RECORD
12
SEP. 4
2025 RECORD
2026 SCHEDULE
The Aggies will travel to Norman, Oklahoma for the first time since 2011. The Sooners made it to the CFP last year and looked like they would advance to the second round before Alabama stormed back from a 17-point deficit to upset the Sooners 34-24. Defensive genius Brent Venables returns an elite front seven on defense with David Stone and Taylor Weim anchoring the group that finished sixth in the country in defense last season. On offense, Venables brings back a potential Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback in John Mateer. The talented dual-threat QB looked unstoppable last year before a hand injury in the Texas game that derailed him, and he was never quite the same. Now he’s back and ready to show the country what he can do. Firstteam All-SEC, Isaiah Sategna III returns at wide receiver after collecting 67 passes for 965 yards and scoring eight touchdowns last year. In the backfield, look for Xavier Robinson to have a big season for the Sooners.
TEXAS
SEP. 5
VS TEXAS STATE
OCT. 24
VS OLE MISS
SEP. 12
VS OHIO STATE
OCT. 31
VS MISSISSIPPI STATE
SEP. 19
VS UTSA
NOV. 7
@ MISSOURI
SEP. 26
@ TENNESSEE
NOV. 14
@ LSU
OCT. 10
VS OKLAHOMA
NOV. 21
VS. ARKANSAS
OCT. 17
VS FLORIDA
NOV. 27
@ TEXAS A&M
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS
2026 SCHEDULE
The Ags and Horns will continue their historic rivalry in the third contest since tu joined the SEC. Steve Sarkisian added 47 new players to the Texas roster via recruits and the portal for the 2026 season. Arch Manning returns after a full season of starts in the orange and white. Early on, it was obvious Sark was trying to protect his young stud last season with game plans that didn’t put the whole game on his shoulders, but 2026 will be different. The Horns added Cam Coleman from Auburn, who is one of the most elite wide receivers in the country. He took a second look at A&M while in the portal, but insiders claim the money in Austin was more attractive. Running back Tre Wisner, who caused the Aggies fits, transferred out, but Sark was able to bring in NC State’s Hollywood Smothers and Arizona State’s Raleek Brown, who combined for over 2,000 yards last year. DC Will Muschamp returns to the 40 Acres, where he hoped he would become the head coach one day.
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LEROY BURRELL NAMED NEW HEAD COACH OF TEXAS A&M TRACK & FIELD PROGRAM! BY ROB HAVENS ‘88
Former “Fastest Man Alive” recipient Leroy Burrell was named the new head coach for Texas A&M Track & Field. He spent the last four years as the head coach at Auburn, following 23 years as the head man at the University of Houston. He guided the Cougars to 44 conference championships from 1999 to 2022.
During his welcome celebration, Burrell expressed his excitement for the opportunity to lead this program and said it’s been a remarkable journey that started in Houston and then Auburn. Now back to Texas A&M. He thanked the legend, the G.O.A.T., and a great, great friend, Coach Pat Henry, calling him “The Coach of Coaches!”
As an athlete, Burrell was a 9-time NCAA All-American, securing indoor long jump titles (1989, 1990) and an outdoor 100m title. He earned the title “Fastest Man Alive” twice and earned a gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games in the 4X100 m relay.
Burrell marvelled at the facilities and said “This is not normal, this is the epic center of track & field!” “This place has support unlike any other, and I’m looking forward to delivering on some success, a great deal of success because the support demands it, and the expectation demands it!”
Burrell became the 20th head coach of the Texas A&M Track & Field Program and follows arguably the best track & field coach of all time in Pat Henry. At the welcome ceremony for the new coach, Director of Athletics Trev Alberts thanked Henry for being there and for all he’s done to build the program into what it is today.
ROB HAVENS ‘88
Alberts explained that Burrell possessed three traits that made him the ideal candidate for the job. First, that “He’s a man of integrity and a great human being.” Secondly, “He understands the high expectations of the job, and he’s not afraid to embrace them.” Lastly, “He brings great credibility, because he’s done everything that our student athletes aspire to do!” said Alberts.
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AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
He admitted that he can’t do it alone, “I need my family, I need my assistant staff, I need our support staff, I need our administration, and I need our community to get behind this track & field program and help us continue winning those numerous trophies you see in the back and out in the lobby.” Burrell plans to “Build one day at a time, one step at a time, one season at a time, one year at a time, to deliver on the promise to Texas A&M University.”
FALL FOOTBALL ROB HAVENS ‘88
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ROB HAVENS ‘88
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AGGIELAND ILLUSTRATED
THE 12TH MAN SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW ONLINE AT AGGIEMAG.COM
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