Updated Dec. 21, 2025, 7:43 p.m. CT
Texas A&M’s 2025 season ended Saturday afternoon with a loss to Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Despite losing 10-3 inside a sold-out Kyle Field, coach Mike Elko’s second season wasn’t a failure by any definition. However, this was one of the best rosters the Aggies have had in several seasons, so disappointment is entirely fair.
Changes have already been made to the 2026 coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, who are both departing. In response, Elko elevated Holmon Wiggins to OC and Lyle Hemphill to DC.
Both new coordinators need to build their staffs. According to FootballScoop writers John Brice and Scott Roussel, former Texas A&M defensive line coach Elijah Robinson could find his way back to College Station for the 2026 campaign.
Robinson served as the program’s interim coach after Jimbo Fisher was fired during the 2023 campaign. He left to become Syracuse’s defensive coordinator under coach Fran Brown, but was fired halfway through the 2025 season.
Highly sought by LSU and Nebraska, Robinson remains one of the top defensive assistants in the country. It’s fair to note that in six seasons under Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, Robinson rose from defensive line coach to run game coordinator to co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
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Elko also could lose defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson, who is a candidate to follow Collin Klein to Kansas State as the Wildcats’ defensive coordinator. Importantly, Peterson is an excellent recruiter. Given Robinson’s reputation as a top recruiter, his addition to the staff would be a massive step toward Texas A&M’s run defense improving next season.
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