Texas A&M Sets Program Record with 13 NFL Combine Invites

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The success of Texas A&M's 11-2 campaign and their inaugural College Football Playoff appearance in 2025 is paying immediate, historic dividends on the draft trail. The NFL officially released its invitation list for the 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and a program-record 13 Aggies will represent the Maroon & White.

This is the highest total of any collegiate program in the nation this year, surpassing traditional draft factories and serving as a testament to the sheer volume of talent Mike Elko inherited and subsequently developed.

While the program celebrates this developmental milestone, the front office and coaching staff are tasked with a monumental rebuilding effort. Replacing 13 draft-caliber players—alongside other graduates and transfer departures—requires an elite roster management strategy. This deep dive analyzes the outgoing talent and the subsequent impact on the 2026 Texas A&M depth chart.

The Historic Combine Class of 2026

The group of 13 players headed to Lucas Oil Stadium spans almost every critical position group, underscoring the balanced strength of the 2025 roster.

Offensive Departures: Rebuilding the Trenches

• Running Back: Le'Veon Moss
• Wide Receiver: KC Concepcion
• Tight End: Nate Boerkircher
• Offensive Line: Chase Bisontis, Dametrious Crownover, Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Trey Zuhn III

The offensive line faces the most drastic turnover. Losing four starters (Zuhn, Bisontis, Crownover, Reed-Adams) simultaneously is a massive hurdle for any SEC program. Trey Zuhn III and Chase Bisontis (who declared early) were the anchors of a physical rushing attack.

At the skill positions, the early declaration of KC Concepcion—a projected first-round pick—removes the offense's most explosive perimeter threat. Meanwhile, Le'Veon Moss's departure after a dominant 2025 season leaves big shoes to fill in the backfield.

Defensive Departures: Filling the Leadership Void

• Defensive Line: Cashius Howell, Tyler Onyedim, Albert Regis
• Linebacker: Scooby Williams, Taurean York
• Defensive Back: Will Lee III

Cashius Howell enters the draft cycle as another heavily scouted potential first-round selection, possessing elite edge-bending capabilities. Inside, the departure of Taurean York is a significant blow to the defense's operational intelligence. York served as the defensive quarterback, and his absence will test the communication structure of newly elevated defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill. The loss of lockdown corner Will Lee III further depletes a secondary that faced stiff SEC passing attacks.

Depth Chart Ramifications: Who Steps Up in 2026?

With 15 total returning starters departing (factoring in the Combine invitees and others), Mike Elko and his staff have been aggressive in roster replenishment. The team is integrating 42 new scholarship players, comprising 25 freshmen from the powerhouse 2026 signing class and 17 key additions from the transfer portal.

Overhauling the Offensive Attack

Newly promoted Offensive Coordinator Holmon Wiggins (taking over full play-calling duties) must build around returning quarterback Marcel Reed.

1. The Backfield: With Moss gone, rising sophomore Rueben Owens is expected to shoulder the primary rushing load. Owens possesses explosive game-breaking speed and will be the focal point of the ground game.
2. The Perimeter: To offset the loss of Concepcion, the Aggies went to the portal to secure former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton. Horton brings SEC experience and size to pair with returning target Noah Thomas.
3. The Offensive Line Rebuild: To mitigate the loss of four combine-bound linemen, A&M landed crucial portal commits, including Tyree Adams (LSU) and Wilkin Formby (Alabama). These transfers are expected to immediately slide into the two-deep depth chart and compete for starting tackle positions.

Reloading the Defense

Defensive Coordinator Lyle Hemphill inherits a unit that must maintain its high "havoc rate" despite the talent drain.

1. Edge Rushers: While Howell departs, the Aggies return Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart. Stewart, a former five-star recruit, is poised for a breakout senior season and will be relied upon to anchor the defensive front. The addition of Colorado transfer Brandon Davis-Swain adds necessary depth.
2. Linebacker Corps: Replacing Taurean York's leadership falls to veteran Edgerrin Cooper (returning for his senior year) and incoming portal talent. The middle of the defense will be a highly contested battleground during spring camp.
3. The Secondary: To replace Will Lee's production, Elko secured Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson III and Colorado DB Tawfiq Byard via the portal. The highly touted jewel of the 2026 recruiting class, 5-star DB Brandon Arrington, may also force his way onto the field early given his elite coverage skills.

The Premier SEC Developmental Hub

Beyond the immediate depth chart shuffling, sending 13 players to the Combine is the ultimate recruiting pitch. For a program that just signed the No. 7 ranked recruiting class nationally, the message is unequivocal: Texas A&M is a highly efficient factory for NFL talent under Elko's regime.

As the Aggies prepare for their annual Maroon & White Spring Game on April 18, all eyes will be on how quickly the 42 new faces can integrate into the vacant spots on the depth chart. The standard is set, and the 2026 season will determine if Texas A&M can simply reload rather than rebuild.

(The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine takes place from February 23 through March 2 in Indianapolis, Indiana.)