Texas A&M fall camp buzz builds at QB, CB, TE and receiver heading into 2026

Texas A&M's first full preseason practice open to the media on Saturday produced a wave of storylines, from quarterback Marcel Reed earning a national ranking to transfer tight end Houston Thomas emerging as a reliable target, cornberback Julio Humphrey setting interception goals, and wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman endorsing the new offensive scheme under coordinator Holmon Wiggins.

Reed, a redshirt junior entering his second full starting season, was named No. 10 on On3 analyst Pete Nakos's list of key quarterbacks to monitor ahead of 2026. Reed passed for 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season, but costly turnovers late in games against Texas and Miami have been a focal point of his offseason work. Through three fall practices, Reed has reportedly played mistake-free football, made quick decisions in the pocket, and connected on several layered throws — including a notable rep with Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton.

For all the success Marcel Reed has had, he still believes he has unfinished business at Texas A&M. Key turnovers late in the season against Texas and Miami have stuck with him this offseason. Limiting turnovers will be critical for Reed to take the next step in his game.

— On3 analyst Pete Nakos

Humphrey Eyes More Turnovers; Thomas Makes Early Impression

On the defensive side, cornerback Julio Humphrey spoke to media after Saturday's practice and acknowledged the Aggies' turnover total must improve after the unit recorded just three interceptions in 2025. New defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill has installed a pre-practice routine requiring every defensive back to make 25 catches on the jugs machine, an emphasis Humphrey cited as central to generating more picks in 2026. Humphrey and Tennessee transfer Rickey Gibson are reportedly battling for the No. 2 cornerback spot behind veteran Dezz Ricks.

At tight end, UTSA transfer Houston Thomas has looked the part through the first two practices, thriving in seam routes thanks to his size and sure hands. Thomas hauled in 34 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns during his final season at UTSA and enters his senior campaign with the fifth-most receiving yards by a tight end in his career at 916. With Nate Boerkircher now in the NFL after being selected in the second round of the 2026 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thomas is expected to share a heavy pass-catching load alongside Richie Anderson under Wiggins's system.

Bethel-Roman, who broke out in 2025 with 24 receptions for 503 yards and five touchdowns at an average of 21 yards per catch, offered an optimistic assessment of Wiggins's offense after Saturday's session. The redshirt sophomore noted that while Wiggins's scheme is not drastically different from predecessor Collin Klein's, it is easy to learn and tailored to each receiver's individual skill set — a fitting message from one of Reed's most explosive targets heading into the season.

It feel like I have been in this offense for years. Yeah, don't get me wrong, he isn't insanely different from coach Klein, but his version of the offense is very easy to learn. It's very good.

— Texas A&M WR Ashton Bethel-Roman