College Station, TX, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Texas A&M football is revamping its roster for the upcoming season, focusing heavily on the transfer portal to enhance both offensive and defensive units. Head coach Mike Elko has made key signings, including standout receivers and defensive linemen, to address past performance issues. This strategic shift underscores the program’s commitment to improving competitiveness in the SEC as they aim for success in the 2025 season.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M football is undergoing a significant roster overhaul in preparation for the 2025 season, driven by head coach Mike Elko’s strategic focus on leveraging the transfer portal. This offseason marked a pivotal change in the Aggies’ approach, emphasizing necessary improvements across both offensive and defensive units to enhance competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
To bolster the offense, Texas A&M has acquired two standout wide receivers, Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. These players are expected to inject fresh talent into a unit that struggled with explosive pass plays last season. Last season, Craver and Concepcion combined for an impressive 817 yards in just four games, and they will be critical in supporting quarterback Marcel Reed.
Concepcion, the 2023 ACC rookie of the year, brings with him notable stats, including 124 receptions, 1,299 yards, and 16 touchdowns. His ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC) is particularly noteworthy, with a reported 792 YAC since 2023, the second-most among returning Power Four receivers. This offensive talent aims to tackle the Aggies’ previous offensive deficiencies.
In addition to the wide receivers, the Aggies have also signed Nebraska transfer tight end Nate Boerkircher, known for scoring the game-winning touchdown against Notre Dame, to further enhance the tight end position. Another notable addition is Amari Niblack, who transferred from Texas after producing 20 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns at Alabama.
On the defensive side, the team faced significant challenges after losing three top defenders to the 2025 NFL Draft, prompting an urgent need for new signings. To address this gap, Texas A&M secured defensive linemen Dayon Hayes and Tyler Onyedim. Onyedim is currently fifth on the team in total tackles, while Hayes made an impressive impact with his first sack at a crucial moment against Auburn, showcasing the potential of these new recruits.
Texas A&M’s recruitment strategy has prioritized quality over quantity this offseason. The coaching staff has signed 13 players from the transfer portal, a significant reduction from the previous year’s haul of 28, which ranked as the fourth best based on transfer rankings from 247Sports. Coach Elko is looking to integrate these veterans not just to enhance skills and depth, but also to instill a winning culture within the program.
Overall, the Aggies are betting on these new transfers to revitalize both the offensive and defensive components of their team and hope these strategic additions will lead them to their first SEC championship game. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on how well these new players can mesh and make a difference in the coming year.
Key Transfer Additions
- Mario Craver: WR, explosive playmaker with 817 yards in four games.
- KC Concepcion: WR, ACC rookie of the year with 124 receptions and 1,299 yards.
- Nate Boerkircher: TE, game-winning touchdown against Notre Dame.
- Amari Niblack: TE, productive transfer from Texas.
- Dayon Hayes: DL, secured his first sack against Auburn.
- Tyler Onyedim: DL, fifth in total tackles.
Competition Overview
The upcoming season is crucial for Texas A&M as they seek to strengthen their position within the SEC. The addition of these players not only addresses immediate needs but also reinforces the team’s long-term competitiveness in a challenging conference.
FAQ Section
What is the main goal for Texas A&M football’s roster changes?
The main goal is to enhance competitiveness in the SEC by addressing weaknesses, particularly in the offense and defense through strategic additions from the transfer portal.
Who are the key transfers added to the team?
Key transfers include wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, tight ends Nate Boerkircher and Amari Niblack, and defensive linemen Dayon Hayes and Tyler Onyedim.
Why did Texas A&M focus on the transfer portal this year?
The team aimed to infuse experienced talent into the roster, prioritizing quality over quantity as they sought immediate contributions to lead them to success in the upcoming season.
How did last season’s performance impact this offseason?
Last season’s struggles, especially with explosive pass plays, highlighted the need for significant improvements, leading to targeted recruiting in key areas.
Transfer Portal Strategy Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Offensive Additions | Mario Craver, KC Concepcion, Nate Boerkircher, Amari Niblack |
| Defensive Additions | Dayon Hayes, Tyler Onyedim |
| Total Transfers | 13 players from the transfer portal |
| Prior Year Transfers | 28 players (Ranked 4th by 247Sports) |
| Strategic Focus | Quality over Quantity |
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Texas A&M 2025 Transfer Class Impact
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M Aggies Football
- Austin American-Statesman: Texas A&M Transfer Portal Additions
- Google Search: Texas A&M Football Transfers 2025
- 247Sports: Texas A&M Transfer Destinations 2025
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M Football Transfer Portal Impact
- KBTX: Texas A&M Spring Practice and Transfer Window
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas A&M Football
- CBS Sports: NCAA Transfer Portal Rule Change Impact
- Google News: Texas A&M Football 2025 Season
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