Dec. 26, 2025, 6:03 a.m. CT<\/p>\n
If you’re not ready to hear about the transfer portal<\/a> daily, I suggest you get used to it. Before the portal officially opens, Texas A&M<\/a> head coach Mike Elko<\/a> and his staff will likely focus on four position groups: offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver, and linebacker.<\/p>\n With seven Texas A&M players now in the transfer portal, including defensive ends Solomon Williams<\/a> and Rylan Kennedy, returning co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Elijah Robinson will have his work cut out for him. Still, he has more than proven his ability to recruit and will need to develop strong relationships and land two to three defensive linemen from the portal.<\/p>\n Needing two offensive tackles and at least one more wide receiver with KC Concepcion<\/a> off to the NFL Draft, linebacker has become a sneaky need. While senior Scooby Williams could technically return on a medical redshirt, if granted, junior linebacker Taurean York could also depart for the NFL Draft, as both have yet to make their final decision.<\/p>\n With ascending sophomore Daymion Sanford<\/a> and incoming sophomore Noah Mikhail set to return, Texas A&M’s run defense issues stemmed from poor run fits and a lack of size at linebacker, and while Sanford and Mikhail will have an even bigger role next season, landing one or possibly two linebackers with size and run defense instincts will be key to improving in 2026.<\/p>\n Outside of Auburn transfer LB Robert Woodyard Jr., who will be highly coveted by every blue-blood program, former Kansas State<\/a> linebacker Austin Romaine might be the perfect fit, especially if both Williams and York leave for the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Over his last two seasons with the Wildcats, Romaine racked up 162 tackles, and in nine games this season, the Missouri native recorded seven tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and an interception. Even more important, Romaine was an elite run defender, finishing with an 80.5 run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus<\/a>.<\/p>\n Contact\/Follow us\u00a0@AggiesWire<\/a>\u00a0on X\u00a0(formerly Twitter) and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.\u00a0Follow Cameron on X:\u00a0@CameronOhnysty<\/a>.<\/p>\n