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Texas A&M players speak to the media after first padded practice
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- Texas A&M players speak to the media after first padded practice
Spring has arrived, and with it, the first real steps toward the 2026 college football season. For Texas A&M , this stretch represents a soft rebuild. Not a reset, but a recalibration. With new faces across the roster and subtle shifts on the coaching staff, establishing rhythm now is essential for a fast start in the fall.
One of Mike Elko's long‑term goals since arriving in Aggieland has been to modernize the offense, particularly at wide receiver. For years, the position carried the stigma that A&M couldn't consistently produce or attract elite talent. Last season went a long way toward burying that narrative.
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The Aggies brought in future first‑rounder KC Concepcion , who captured the 2025 Paul Hornung Award, and Mario Craver , who earned All‑America honors while nearly eclipsing 1,000 total yards of offense.
Outside of the new addition of Isaiah Horton a player to keep an eye on is redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman how had a breakout season last year and working to get better.
" I feel like during the off season, I took a lot of time while I was letting my body heal and stuff. I feel like I took a lot of time just watching other receivers in the league, that have somewhat of my play style of deep, you know, long ball take it, blow the top off type of receivers, and I just watched how they work, their shiftiness, and I try to apply it to my own game." - Bethel-Roman
On defense, the emphasis has been just as clear. New defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill has stressed the importance of capitalizing on turnover opportunities , especially interceptions. The scheme won't naturally produce high interception totals, but when chances appear, the Aggies need to finish plays. Something they struggled with last fall.
Senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe has taken that message personally.
"I think just myself, I put the blame on myself. I dropped like four picks last year. I should have had four interceptions myself. So that starts with me. We've been really hammering in before practice getting 20 catches in. After practice, I just got 20 catches in now. so yeah, that's definitely a big point of emphasis for us." - Ratcliffe
For both sides of the ball, this spring is about identity. On offense, it's about becoming more dynamic and explosive. On defense, it's about accountability and turning missed chances into game‑changing plays.
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Below is the full spring practice availability with Ashton Bethel‑Roman and Marcus Ratcliffe.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Aggies Bethel‑Roman and Ratcliffe speak after first padded practice
