Jan. 17, 2026, 5:30 a.m. CT

As we reported early this week, Texas A&M’s 17 transfer portal additions may or may not be the final number head coach Mike Elko and his staff will finish out with before the spring season. While the coaching staff has built nearly every gap for several position groups, including four veteran additions to the offensive line, the running back and linebacker depth could use one more player.

While both positions return experienced starters, paired with the addition of Tulsa transfer linebacker Ray Coney, who recorded 128 tackles last season, and is considered an elite run defender, losing star LBs Taurean York and Scooby Williams to the NFL Draft leaves incoming senior Daymion Sanford as the only returning player with experience in Elko’s defensive system.

If the group can add one more impact veteran, Texas A&M’s leaky run defense should be all but solved, while the pass rush could be lethal, combined with new edge rushers Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson. However, with the transfer portal officially closing on Friday, which linebackers are still available?

Outside of Ole Miss transfer TJ Dottery, who is even being heavily pursued by former Rebels HC Lane Kiffin and LSU, it was reported on Friday that Tennessee star linebacker Arion Carter will enter his name into the portal, and immediately after the news dropped, On3 insider Steve Wiltfong released the following statement regarding the teams that are now likely in the race for his commitment.

“Immediate programs to keep an eye on would include Alabama and Texas A&M. He is not expected to return to Knoxville.”

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Both programs are likely one reliable linebacker away from fielding a complete roster with few holes in 2026, and while Aggie Yell insider Jaxson Callaway has stated that there’s little evidence regarding a direct connection between Carter and the Aggies, he’s also hearing that there’s interest from both sides, but time will tell if anything comes to fruition.

Last season, Arion Carter recorded 76 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

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