On3 ranks Texas A&M No. 10 in 2026 preseason poll despite major roster turnover

Texas A&M football has been positioned at No. 10 in On3’s 2026 College Football Preseason Top 25 poll, a ranking that reflects the complex calculus of replacing high-level talent while maintaining institutional stability. The assessment arrives as the Aggies prepare for the 2026 season, following a historic 11-2 campaign that secured their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

The ranking acknowledges a substantial departure of on-field personnel, with ten starters drafted out of the program. The majority of these exits, eight in total, originated from the offensive and defensive lines, necessitating a significant rebuild of the trenches. This level of turnover presents a clear challenge to a program seeking to replicate its previous success, prompting scrutiny over whether a Top 10 placement is justified given the loss of such foundational players.

However, the projection also factors in the stability of the coaching structure under head coach Mike Elko. Rather than pursuing external hires, Elko has promoted from within to fill critical coordinator roles. Holmon Wiggins has been appointed as the first-time offensive coordinator, Lyle Hemphill steps in as defensive coordinator following the departure of Jay Bateman, and Joey Lynch moves from running backs coach to quarterbacks coach.

This internal promotion strategy is intended to preserve the system and culture established during the previous season. While the new coordinators may not carry immediate national recognition, the continuity is viewed as a stabilising force for a team that has already demonstrated the ability to compete at an elite level. The coaching staff’s fingerprints remain evident across the program, providing a framework for the incoming talent.

To mitigate the loss of drafted starters, the Aggies have utilised the transfer portal to secure additions described as legitimate SEC-calibre talent. These roster upgrades are credited with offsetting the departures and contributing to the team’s elevated standing in preseason projections. On3’s ranking serves as a speculative nod to both the uncertainty surrounding the new personnel and the potential upside provided by the coaching staff’s continuity.

Preseason rankings are inherently uncertain and rarely correlate with the eventual national champion, with no major outlet having achieved a perfect 25-for-25 record in predicting the winner. The No. 10 placement by On3 is therefore best understood as a projection based on roster strength and returning production, rather than a definitive assessment of the team’s final strength. The Aggies enter the season with a ranking that invites debate, balancing the promise of continuity against the reality of a renovated roster.