Texas A&M's 2026 roster can't be accurately graded until the spring and fall practice windows are complete, especially when discussing the 17 transfer portal additions coach Mike Elko and his staff acquired this offseason. With more than a dozen 2025 starters departing, including 13 NFL Scouting Combine invitees, adding these veterans from the portal was vital to avoiding a significant drop-off next season.
From an immediate impact standpoint, the Aggies will lose four starters and five players total along the offensive line, leading to Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing landing four SEC starters to fill out the depth chart, and compete with younger linemen already on the roster. Highlighted by Alabama transfer tackle Wilkin Formby, Elko praised his versatility, but feels he will be an elite right tackle.
However, former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton looks like the player with a chance to take Texas A&M's passing game to the next level, providing size on the boundary at 6'4" for starting quarterback Marcel Reed to reach his full potential as a pocket passer. Even more important, the Aggies' average redzone offense should vastly improve, providing first-year offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins a solid base to work with.
ESPN's Max Olson agrees that, among A&M's 17 transfer signees, Isaiah Horton fits the mold as a player who won't just help the passing game find more consistency but also become a "true No. 1 option" alongside Mario Craver, who recorded a career-high 917 yards and four touchdowns last season.
The Aggies needed to replace star receiver KC Concepcion during this portal cycle and landed a big-time weapon in Horton to pair with Mario Craver. The 6-4, 208-pound wideout has caught 112 passes for 1,301 yards and 14 touchdowns over his time at Miami and Alabama and was ESPN's No. 5-ranked transfer receiver. Horton will have an opportunity in College Station to prove he's a true No. 1 option after ranking third on the Crimson Tide in targets in his lone season with Alabama.
While Texas A&M's 2026 offense will only succeed if the blocking holds up, Holmon Wiggins should feel more comfortable with 50/50 shots down the field in man coverage now that Horton is a part of the lineup.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN names WR Isaiah Horton as Texas A&M's top transfer addition