Preseason All-SEC Representation
Phil Steele’s 2026 preseason All-SEC team features six Texas A&M athletes, underscoring the Aggies’ strong contingent of talent heading into the new campaign. The selections span offensive skill positions, defensive contributors, and special‑teams specialists, reflecting the program’s balanced roster.
Mario Craver’s First‑Team Accolade
Wide receiver Mario Craver earned a first‑team spot after posting 917 receiving yards on 59 catches with four touchdowns, complemented by 81 rushing yards and a score on the ground. He also logged three 100‑plus yard receiving games, highlighted by a 207‑yard effort against Notre Dame, making him one of the most versatile threats in the conference.
Terry Bussey’s Return Game Impact
Special‑teams standout Terry Bussey secured a second‑team designation as a kick returner. He amassed 421 yards on 18 returns, averaging 23.4 yards per return, and added a 29‑yard punt return against UTSA. Bussey also contributed 18 receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his all‑purpose value.
Interior offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr. received third‑team recognition after making 12 starts in 2025 and becoming a regular at center. His presence helped the Aggies’ line rank 23rd nationally in total offense, and his career includes 21 starts, most frequently at the middle of the line.
The fourth‑team selections include linebacker Dalton Brooks, long snapper Shea Freibaum, and quarterback Marcel Reed. Brooks tallied 61 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, while also forcing a fumble and recording an interception. Freibaum appeared in 30 special‑teams games during his tenure at Oklahoma State, and Reed, the team’s dual‑threat quarterback, led the Maroon & White to an 11‑2 record and a College Football Playoff berth.
Reed’s Dual‑Threat Season
Marcel Reed threw for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 493 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground. His performance made him a finalist for multiple national awards and positioned him as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC entering the new season.
Texas A&M will open its 2026 schedule at Kyle Field against Missouri State on September 5, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. on ESPN, giving fans an early glimpse of the Aggies’ revamped roster and the impact of their preseason honorees.