The buzz surrounding Texas A&M’s defensive lineup has reached a fever pitch as the Aggies prepare for the 2026 campaign, and much of that excitement centers on a single name: Ray Coney.
Coney’s National Ranking
According to the latest edition of EA Sports College Football 27, Coney is positioned as the tenth highest‑rated right‑outside linebacker in the nation, a placement that underscores his growing reputation among college football’s elite.
During his junior year at Tulsa, Coney logged 129 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups, numbers that helped him earn First Team honors in 2025 and cement his status as a standout performer.
Now transitioning to College Station, the linebacker brings a blend of size, speed and experience that coaches say will immediately fortify the Aggies’ front seven.
Within the state of Texas, Coney is recognized as the third‑best athlete at his position, trailing only Ben Roberts and Rasheem Biles, a testament to the deep talent pool he competes against.
Pro Football Focus Praise
Analysts at Pro Football Focus have gone a step further, ranking Coney as the second‑highest graded linebacker transfer of the offseason, a rating that reflects both his on‑field production and his projected impact at the next level.
Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator Mike Elko has spoken openly about the strategic advantages Coney adds, noting that his versatility will allow the team to experiment with multiple formations and blitz packages.
The ultimate goal is clear: the Aggies are targeting a return to the College Football Playoff for the second straight year, a feat that would solidify the program’s resurgence under head coach Jimbo Fisher.
Looking Forward
As the countdown to the new season continues, Coney’s presence has already shifted the narrative around the Aggies’ defense, turning preseason speculation into a concrete expectation of heightened performance.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his collegiate pedigree translates to the SEC stage, and whether his impact can help the team navigate a schedule that many predict will be among the most challenging in the nation.