Story by
Texas A&M's David Olano, Tyler White Earn AP Midseason All-America Honors
- Story by
- Texas A&M's David Olano, Tyler White Earn AP Midseason All-America Honors
(12thman.com)
Texas A&M football hasn't given its fans much to celebrate through the first half of the 2026 season, but two Aggies are proving that championship-level performances don't always come from the offense or defense.
Kicker David Olano and punter Tyler White have earned Associated Press Midseason All-America honors, providing a much-needed bright spot for a Texas A&M team that's stumbled to a 3-3 record and a disappointing 1-3 start in Southeastern Conference play.
Advertisement
MORE: Texas A&M Needs More Than A Win Against The Citadel Saturday
White earned first-team recognition, while Olano landed on the second team.
And considering how badly the Aggies have struggled offensively, their contributions have become increasingly valuable.
White, a senior, leads the nation with an impressive 50.4 yards per punt through six games. His 24 punts include a career-long 72-yard blast against Missouri, while 14 have traveled at least 50 yards.
Even more impressive? Opponents have managed to return just nine of his punts, averaging a miserable 1.8 yards per return.
White was previously recognized as the Ray Guy Punter of the Week on September 28 and has twice appeared on the award's weekly "Ray's 8" list.
Advertisement
Olano has been equally impressive since transferring from Illinois.
The fifth-year kicker hasn't missed a field goal or extra point this season, connecting on all nine field-goal attempts and all 19 extra-point opportunities.
He's also a perfect 4-for-4 from 50 yards or longer, making him the nation's only kicker to convert every attempt from that distance with at least four tries.
His biggest moment came against Arkansas, when he drilled a career-best 57-yard field goal, surpassing the 53-yard personal record he'd established one week earlier at LSU.
That performance helped Olano earn SEC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition.
Advertisement
Unfortunately, Texas A&M's offensive struggles have prevented either player from enjoying much team success.
Quarterback Marcel Reed and offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins have faced mounting criticism following consecutive road performances against LSU and Missouri in which the Aggies failed to score a touchdown.
Texas A&M managed just six points in each defeat, leaving head coach Mike Elko searching for solutions as conference losses continue piling up.
While the offense desperately needs improvement, White and Olano have established themselves as legitimate candidates for college football's top kicking honors.
Advertisement
White figures prominently in the Ray Guy Award conversation, while Olano is building a compelling résumé for the Lou Groza Award.
MORE: How to Watch Texas A&M vs. The Citadel: Aggies Look to Rebound at Kyle Field
For a program with expectations considerably higher than a .500 record, that's something worth celebrating.
The Aggies may be struggling to put points on the scoreboard, but when it comes to special teams, they're producing some of the best football in America.
