Jan. 31, 2026, 6:03 a.m. CT
Texas A&M’s 2025 special teams unit struggled for most of the year, especially the kicking situation, as senior Randy Bond, who was once one of the more reliable kickers, was benched late in the season, making just 63% of his field goal attempts, including 5-8 from 40-49 yards, and 0-3 from 50-plus.
His replacement, senior transfer Jared Zirkel, entered the program primarily as a kickoff specialist due to his notable leg strength, but he was equally disappointing, hitting 57% of his field goal attempts and finishing 4-7 on the year. After falling to Miami 10-3 in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Zirkel missed a short field goal attempt, which would have put the Aggies up 3-0 early, and could have resulted in a different outcome.
With both seniors departing, incoming freshman phenom Asher Murray looks like the future kicker, but likely won’t be ready to take over as the full-time starter in 2026, leading to head coach Mike Elko and his staff landing veteran Illinois kicker David Olano from the transfer portal.
Olano, who will enter his junior season, hit an impressive 87% of his field goal attempts, was 100% on extra points, and was 7-8 from 30-plus, and 6-7 from 40-plus, including a 47-yard field goal in the 20-13 win over Northwestern last season.
Olano’s accuracy from 30 and 40-plus yards will greatly benefit the Aggies next season, especially in potential close contests on the road. On Friday, Olano was seen practicing during the early part of the offseason, providing a sneak peek of what he’ll bring to the field next season.
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It looks like Texas A&M’s kicking problems might finally come to an end in 2026.
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