Texas A&M’s 2026 season is less than two months aways, while while third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff are enjoying the next few weeks before preseason begins, it’s more than fair for those of us in the media to begin predicting how the Aggies’ season will play out, which is a mixed bag based on early prediction, ranging from 9-3 to 10-2.
It’s been a busy offseason, and before a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas A&M added 17 players from the transfer portal, who will all compete for starting and key reserve roles, while 65% of the 2025 roster returns, led by starting quarterback Marcel Reed and star wide receiver Mario Craver.
On defense, the loss of unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell, who led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, does hurt, but landing Northwestern transfer edge Anto Saka certainly helps, combined with former North Carolina nose tackle CJ Mims, who is slated to start alongside senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks and defensive end T.J. Searcy.
Nationally, the Aggies aren’t widely considered a national championship contender, but anything is possible in today’s college football landscape, especially after Indiana’s national championship run last season. This week, popular analyst CFBudge released his list of the 16 teams that can “actually win the National Title in 2026,” which included Texas A&M at No. 13.
Here are the 16 Teams who could actually win the National Title in 2026.
Which of these teams will win it all this year? pic.twitter.com/oIr8dnvp3G
— CFBudge (@CF_Budge) July 15, 2026
Most importantly, Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing prepared for the offensive line departures by securing four SEC starters from the transfer portal, including former Alabama OL Wilkin Formby, who was ranked ESPN’s 61st-best transfer addition earlier this week.
Overall, Texas A&M’s defense, led by one of the deepest secondaries in the country, looks like the team’s predominant strength, and if the newly structured offensive line holds up, Marcel Reed, who threw for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, is expected to improve in several areas, especially given the elite wide receiver room he’ll be working with.
Texas A&M’s primary focus is getting back to the CFP, and if this question regarding the Aggies’ national title hopes comes up during SEC media days next week, I can guarantee Mike Elko won’t take the bait.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M among 16 teams who could ‘actually win’ a title in 2026
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