In a landmark moment for the Texas A&M football program, the 2026 NFL Draft witnessed an unprecedented number of Aggie players being selected within the top 100 picks, setting a new program record. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of Head Coach Mike Elko's player development strategy and signals a promising future for the team.
Aggies Make History in the 2026 NFL Draft
On Friday, April 25, 2026, the Texas A&M football program marked a significant milestone in its history. Following the departure of several key players from the 2025 roster, including unanimous All-American edge rusher Cashius Howell, star wide receiver KC Concepcion, and four starting offensive linemen, head coach Mike Elko's strategic development efforts came to fruition during the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft saw a remarkable seven Aggies selected within the first 100 picks, an all-time program record.
The drafting began with wide receiver KC Concepcion, who was chosen as the 24th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. This initial selection set the stage for a momentous day for Texas A&M. As the second round commenced, former starting left guard Chase Bisontis was swiftly picked 34th overall by the Arizona Cardinals, a team reportedly in urgent need of offensive line reinforcement. Bisontis, a New Jersey native, is expected to secure a starting position at either left or right guard.
Just seven picks later, Cashius Howell joined the Cincinnati Bengals as the 41st overall pick. He will be reunited with former Aggie Shemar Stewart, who was Texas A&M's sole first-round selection in the 2025 draft. A surprising turn of events occurred 15 picks later when tight end Nate Boerkicher, a Nebraska transfer who played one season with the Aggies, was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was later joined by veteran defensive tackle Albert Regis, who became the Jaguars' second Aggie pick at 81st overall in the third round.
Before Regis's selection, defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim, another key player from Elko's 4-2-5 defensive scheme, was drafted. Onyedim, who also played a single season for the Aggies, had a standout year with 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks, proving to be the team's most reliable interior pass rusher. The final Aggie to be drafted within the top 100 was Trey Zuhn III, a highly consistent offensive lineman, who was selected 91st overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Zuhn III is projected to play either tackle or center and will be tasked with protecting the top-overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
This historic draft performance surpasses previous program records, with Texas A&M never having more than five top-100 picks in any single draft year, including 1977, 1987, 1994, 1996, and 2003. This unprecedented success underscores the significant progress and talent development under Coach Elko's leadership, suggesting a bright future for the Aggies in collegiate football and beyond.
This record-setting performance in the NFL Draft is a testament to the dedication and strategic vision within the Texas A&M football program. It not only highlights the individual talents of the players but also reflects the effectiveness of Coach Elko's coaching philosophy and development pathways. For aspiring young athletes, this serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work and the right guidance, the dream of playing at the professional level is achievable. This success will undoubtedly bolster recruitment efforts and further elevate Texas A&M's standing in college football, reinforcing its reputation as a formidable program capable of preparing athletes for the highest echelons of the sport.