As the Texas A&M Aggies gear up for their 2026 season opener against Missouri State, the anticipation is palpable among fans and analysts. With only a few days remaining until head coach Mike Elko embarks on his third year, the focus has shifted to the final depth chart projections for the special teams unit. This follows the earlier releases of the offensive and defensive depth charts, which set the stage for a new season filled with potential.
The special teams unit is particularly noteworthy this year, as it will feature a new starting kicker and adjustments at punt returner. This comes after a challenging previous season where the kicking game struggled, highlighted by missed field goals from Randy Bond and Jared Zirkel. Elko and special teams coordinator Patrick Dougherty recognized the need for improvement and have made significant changes to address these issues.
During the offseason, the Aggies made strategic moves in the transfer portal, particularly with the addition of former Illinois kicker David Olano. Olano demonstrated impressive accuracy, converting 87% of his field goal attempts and showcasing a strong leg with a long of 47 yards. He will be joined by five-star recruit Asher Murray, both of whom bring NFL-caliber talent to the kicking game.
With the departure of KC Concepcion, who is now with the Cleveland Browns, junior wide receiver Mario Craver is set to take over as the primary punt returner. Craver's agility and quickness make him a formidable option in this role, while junior Terry Bussey is expected to serve as the backup, likely focusing on kick returns instead.
The finalized depth chart for Texas A&M's special teams includes several key positions:
Punt Returner- Starting punt returner: Mario Craver
- Backup: Terry Bussey
Craver's experience as a backup punt returner adds to his credentials, and his ability to match or exceed Concepcion's performance from last season will be crucial for the Aggies.
Kickoff Returner- Starting KR: Terry Bussey
- Backup: Jamarion Morrow
Bussey ranked third in the SEC last season with 421 kick return yards, and his explosive playmaking ability is expected to provide a significant boost to the special teams unit. Morrow, a sophomore running back, will serve as a capable backup.
Long Snapper- Starting LS: Shea Freibaum
- Backup LS: Boomer Graham
With the graduation of veteran long snapper Jacob Graham, Freibaum steps into the starting role, while his brother Boomer is poised to take on the backup position.
Punter- Starting punter: Tyler White
- Backup punter: Jared White
Tyler White, entering his third season, continues to solidify Texas A&M's reputation as "Punter U." His brother Jared White will serve as the backup, ensuring continuity in this vital position.
Kicker- Starting kicker: David Olano
- Backup kicker: Asher Murray
With the previous season's struggles in the kicking game, Olano's arrival is a welcome change. His proven track record in field goal accuracy positions him as the likely starter, with Murray providing strong competition.
As the Aggies prepare for their season opener, the revamped special teams unit will be closely watched. The changes made in the offseason reflect a commitment to improvement and a strategic approach to enhancing the team's overall performance.
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