Texas A&M’s Surprising Pursuit: Could an Ole Miss Transfer Linebacker Be Their Game-Changer?

Texas A&M’s transfer portal activity has been nothing short of a whirlwind, racking up a roster boost with 18 new players. At the forefront is Alabama’s Isaiah Horton, a wide receiver whose commitment came on the heels of Auburn’s Cam Coleman pledging to the Aggies. The offense seems pretty much locked in now, especially after shoring up vital spots like the offensive line with four key additions. On the flip side, the defense is in a state of flux. Despite adding five faces to the defensive line, the departure of star linebacker Taurean York to the NFL draft left a noticeable void. However, the Aggies quickly brought in Tulsa’s Ray Coney, and more recently, Houston Christian’s TJ Smith, aiming to patch holes in the linebacker unit after last season’s struggles against the run. But the latest buzz around Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery entering the portal has got everyone talking—his experience and playmaking ability could be a game-changer, and it’s clear LSU and Ole Miss have already thrown their hats in the ring. Whether head coach Mike Elko makes a move to add Dottery remains an intriguing question. One thing’s for sure—the Aggies are hustling to stack their deck and keep their defense among the SEC’s elite. LEARN MORE

Texas A&M’s transfer portal haul is up to 18 players, led by Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton, who committed to the Aggies just hours after prized portal addition and former Auburn wideout Cam Coleman announced his commitment to Texas. Filling out several significant holes, including four additions along the offensive line, Texas A&M’s offense is likely finished adding players.

However, the defense, despite five additions on the defensive line, led by veteran edge rusher Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson, the news that junior star linebacker Taurean York will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft left another gap in the middle of the defense, despite landing Tulsa transfer linebacker Ray Coney just days after the portal opened.

This week’s addition of Houston Christian transfer LB TJ Smith provides depth, but starting-level talent is still an issue after last season’s run defense struggles. On paper, Ray Coney is more than capable of leading the Aggies in tackles and stops, but incoming senior and two-time SEC Player of the Week LB Daymion Sanford, who is a star in the making after 57 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two pass deflections, is much better in coverage at the Will position.

Early Thursday morning, it was revealed that Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery had entered the transfer portal after recording 98 tackles, including 48 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks during his final season with the Rebels, and while his Pro Football Focus grades reflect an above average player, he finished with a 60.2 run defense grade, while totaling 10 pressures and an impressive 30 stops.

After entering, LSU quickly became the program to watch, as former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is looking to reel in his former star backer, while On3’s Pete Nakos also revealed that Ole Miss and new coach Pete Golding are trying to keep Dottery in Oxford.

“One of the top linebackers to hit the transfer portal this cycle will have a multitude of options. But the sense among sources is that LSU is the clear team to beat. Plenty of other top-25 programs will make calls to get in the mix. Ole Miss is still fighting to get Dottery back to Oxford.”

Will head coach Mike Elko reach out to host Dottery? That remains to be seen, and while the Aggies are still in solid shape at linebacker, adding one of the more reliable veterans at a key position would further cement Texas A&M’s defense as one of the best in the SEC.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M should pursue Ole Miss Transfer LB TJ Dottery