Updated Dec. 28, 2025, 5:39 p.m. CT
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko will enter his third offseason with a similar focus, needing to land nearly a dozen players from the transfer portal. While the positional focus will be in the trenches, especially the defensive line, a recent report from On3’s Marcus Benjamin suggests the Aggies could be in the running for one of the top defensive backs who recently entered the transfer portal.
Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill are set to lose senior cornerback Will Lee III, who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, while senior nickel cornerback Tyreek Chappell has run out of eligibility after five seasons with the program. On paper, Texas A&M’s defense is prepared to lose Lee, but finding Chappell’s replacement in-house is a much more difficult task, even though former Washington transfer Jordan Shaw looks like the next in line.
According to Benjamin, Texas A&M, Georgia, Mississippi State and Texas are pursuing former Florida State defensive back Edwin Joseph, who served as the Seminoles’ starting nickel during the 2025 season, finished the year as one of the top run defenders, producing 37 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass deflections, while earning impressive Pro Football Focus Grades against the run (76.6) and in coverage (66.2).
One of the problems Texas A&M’s secondary dealt with this season was a lack of back-end speed, outside of cornerback Dezz Ricks. At the same time, the run defense, which deteriorated in the latter half of the year, needs an influx of talent at linebacker and defensive back to stop physical runners at the first level.
Like most star players entering the transfer portal, Joseph is looking for a program that will further develop his skill set and ultimately help him get selected during the first two days of the 2027 NFL Draft.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
“I’m just looking for a place to fall in and play, develop for another year, do what I have to do, and hopefully get drafted.”
Joseph will likely consider all four programs, including Texas A&M, but as of now, he has not scheduled any future visits.
“I do plan on taking visits, but haven’t set any as of yet.”
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.