Texas A&M’s 2026 linebacker rotation will feature Tulsa transfer LB Ray Coney, who recorded 128 tackles last season, and will be in line to start at middle linebacker next season after three-year starter Taurean York declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. After being connected to recent transfer portal addition and Tennessee LB Arion Carter, head coach Mike Elko and his staff are looking to bring the veteran backer to College Station for a visit.
In the secondary, the transfer additions of former Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard and Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson will provide new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill a solid floor to work with next season, while the return of cornerbacks Dezz Ricks and Julio Humphrey, combined with senior defensive back Bryce Anderson withdrawing his name from the portal, provided more good news this month.
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Still, knowing that teams will now be able to roster 105 players heading into the spring period, Elko is looking to add another defensive back for depth, as ESPN insider Max Olson revealed on Saturday that Texas A&M will host Ohio State redshirt freshman safety Cody Haddad, who did not see the field during his first season with the program.
With four seasons of eligibility remaining, the former 2025 three-star prospect will also visit Tennessee, Iowa, and Nebraska, and would become an immediate depth piece for either program. Here is how 247Sports analyst Allen Trieu described the Ohio native’s skill set and what he’ll bring to either defense that lands him.
“Versatile player who has played all over the field in high school but figures to be a college safety. Shows good instincts and will come into the box and support the run but also shows he can match-up on receivers and play some man. Has a track background and that shows up with his ability to close on the ball. Receiver background shows up with ball skills. Plays physical football but still needs to add more weight and strength which will aid in playing that style in college. Should be a Power Five starter who can fit as a chess piece in any defensive scheme.”
Texas A&M’s safety rotation is deep, and if he chooses the Aggies, he’ll work with S&C coach Tommy Moffitt this summer to add more healthy mass to his frame and become an instant special teams asset.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M will reportedly host Ohio State transfer safety Cody Haddad
