Where did Texas A&M football land on On3's preseason Top 25 rankings?

The 2026 preseason rankings released by On3 place Texas A&M in an interesting and somewhat debatable position at No. 10. This ranking, while acknowledging the uncertainties surrounding the team, also acknowledges the upside due to several factors. First, and foremost, Texas A&M suffered a significant loss of talent – ten starters were drafted, with eight of them coming from the offensive and defensive lines.

This level of turnover can be seen as a full renovation of the trenches, potentially making a case for Texas A&M to be placed further down the rankings.

However, the coaching staff's decisions add another layer of complexity to the team's position. Mike Elko, the head coach, managed to avoid major upheaval, which is neither a trivial nor an easy feat. He opted for continuity over splash hires, promoting from within for three crucial roles: Holmon Wiggins as the new Offensive Coordinator, Lyle Hemphill as Defensive Coordinator, and Joey Lynch moving from running backs coach to Quarterbacks coach.

Though none of these names might immediately stand out nationally, such a decision has proven vital for a program that had just secured its first College Football Playoff berth in its history.

While continuity in coaching matters, especially for a program coming off an 11-2 season and a playoff berth, the system and culture remain intact, with Elko's influence still evident across the program. However, the roster itself presents a different picture. A&M isn't starting from scratch, but the influx of new faces, particularly in the offensive line, is significant enough to merit attention.

However, Elko’s track record of recruiting and developing talent, especially through the transfer portal, suggests that the Aggies have successfully replaced bodies with legitimate SEC-caliber talent. This fact alone amplifies their ranking in preseason projections. Although opinions on their exact ranking may vary, Texas A&M is currently projected to enter the 2026 season at No. 10 according to On3's rankings, reflecting both the inherent uncertainties and the promising potential of the team.