It didn't take long into fall camp for the hype about the Texas A&M secondary to begin. It even started before camp officially kicked off, as head coach Mike Elko indicated that this could be the best unit he's had since arriving in College Station.
Then just weeks later, former Georgia transfer Julian Humphrey was honest with the media when talking about the group's expectations for the season.
Yet, for the Aggies to truly fulfill those expectations of boasting one of the nation's top secondaries, there is a position battle going under the radar . One that, depending on the outcome, could solely decide the fate of the A&M secondary.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies safety Dalton Brooks (25) and cornerback Jordan Shaw (8) tackle Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With all the attention that goes to the two outside corner and safety positions, it is easy to forget that there is a third position that effectively plays both cornerback and safety. In the defense that Elko brought with him to College Station, the nickel at times also has to serve as an extra pass rusher or support against the run.
In old-school football, the nickel was replaced by another linebacker. However, in the era of the pro-style and spread offenses, defenses have replaced that third linebacker with another defensive back, who essentially plays multiple roles.
After Tyreek Chappell manned the position last season, the position is now between former Washington transfer Jordan Shaw , senior Bravion Rogers, and senior Bryce Anderson .
However, despite Anderson, a former starter at safety, making the switch to nickelback in the spring, it appears Shaw is the frontrunner to win the job.
While being unable to unseat Chappell for the starting role after initially arriving in College Station last season, he still saw action in 11 games last season. However, it was his final appearance versus Miami in the College Football Playoff that drew particular rave reviews.
Facing off with then-freshman sensation Malachi Toney , Shaw limited him to 3 receptions for 22 yards on four targets while recording a season-high five tackles, one for a loss.
That ability to cover slot receivers has translated into fall camp and appears to be a big reason why he's seemingly in the lead.
Yet, given Anderson's prior experience and Rogers's time in the system, the battle may not truly be over even after the season starts. If one struggles, the Aggies have options to help limit the damage.
However, a struggling nickel in today's college football is not a problem teams want to have. Just as a weak outside cornerback can be attacked, offenses will find ways to isolate the nickel and force him to make plays.
Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram for the latest news.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/tamu as The Position Battle That Could Define Texas A&M's Defense .
