Texas A&M transfer CB aims for 'elite' secondary in 2026
Texas A&M's 2026 roster features 17 transfer portal additions, headlined by former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson, who, after missing all but one game during the 2025 season, looks to rebound and make a significant impact in the Aggie secondary next season. Combined with Dezz Ricks and Julio Humphrey returning, coach Mike Elko will have plenty to work with at cornerback.
Even though he missed most of the 2025 season, his play in 2024 stood out, recording 32 tackles, five pass breakups, and earning impressive Pro Football Focus grades, including a noteworthy 76.3 coverage grade. Standing at 6'0" and nearly 190 pounds, Gibson possesses the size and speed to make an immediate impact on the outside and is considered a future first or second-round NFL Draft pick.
Heading into the 2026 spring season, Gibson has continued to work hard in the weight room with S&C coach Tommy Moffitt, and after a year off from playing, his body will be completely fresh entering a pivotal year for both the Aggies and his future professional career. Between now and spring practice, a handful of transfer additions have sat down for interviews with TexAgs LIVE, providing their personal expectations heading into next season.
Focused on the 2026 defensive back room, Gibson has high expectations for a veteran rotation that already showed signs of improvement last season, and with the additions of Gibson and Colorado transfer safety Tawfiq Byard, the sky is truly the limit for a secondary that is absolutely loaded at corner and safety.
"I definitely think can be elite this year. We are all from different spots, too. So us all coming together with different coaching, and us coming together with different ideas in how we see the game, I feel like that can definitely make us elite this year."
Under new cornerbacks coach Bryant Gross-Armiente, nickel is the only spot that is somewhat questionable, but with senior defensive back Bryce Anderson returning, he'll likely take over that spot, and compete with cornerback Jordan Shaw for the starting spot.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M CB Rickey Gibson eyes 'elite' secondary after transfer
