Texas A&M’s bowl season is heating up as they prepare for a showdown against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl. However, the excitement is tempered by the significant changes happening within the Aggies’ roster due to the transfer portal. With a mix of new talent arriving and familiar faces departing, the dynamics of the team are shifting rapidly.
Texas A&M’s transfer portal activity
The transfer portal has become a hot topic in college football, and Texas A&M is no exception. The Aggies have been actively seeking new talent to bolster their roster, but they have also seen a notable number of players deciding to move on. This duality presents both challenges and opportunities for the coaching staff as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.
Top 5 Texas A&M players who have entered the portal ahead of the bowl
As the Aggies gear up for their bowl game, let’s take a closer look at the top five players who have opted to enter the transfer portal. Each of these athletes has made a significant impact during their time at Texas A&M, and their departures will undoubtedly be felt.
1. Conner Weigman, QB
Conner Weigman, a highly-touted quarterback, has been in the spotlight for three seasons as he battled for the starting job. While his pre-starting stats were impressive—boasting 16 touchdowns to just two interceptions in 2022 and 2023—his performance in 2024 fell short of expectations. He managed only three touchdowns against five interceptions. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Weigman has chosen to transfer to Houston, where he will likely have a clearer path to the starting role.
2. Jaden Platt, TE
Jaden Platt, a four-star recruit known for his size and speed, struggled to make a significant impact at Texas A&M. In 2023, he caught just two passes for 52 yards and a touchdown, and he didn’t register any catches in 2024. With three years of eligibility left after redshirting, Platt has decided to take his talents to Arkansas, where he hopes to become a more prominent target in their offense.
3. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, DL
Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, a massive defensive lineman, has also announced his intention to transfer. Despite his potential as a lane-clogger, he has seen limited action at Texas A&M, participating in only eight games and recording four tackles over three seasons. With two years of eligibility remaining, he has committed to South Carolina, where he aims to make a more significant impact on the field.
4. Malick Sylla, DE
Defensive lineman Malick Sylla has been a highly-regarded recruit but has struggled to find his footing at Texas A&M. Over three seasons, he has accumulated just 26 tackles, with 14 of those coming in the 2023 season. Sylla has chosen to transfer to Mississippi State, where he will have one season of eligibility left to showcase his skills.
5. Kam Dewberry, OL
Offensive lineman Kam Dewberry, a standout from the 2022 recruiting class, has also decided to enter the portal. Despite starting eight games over three seasons, his best performance came as a true freshman in 2022, when he started five games. Dewberry has opted to join Alabama, where he aims to contribute to the Tide’s efforts to enhance their offensive line.
The impact of the transfer portal on Texas A&M
The exodus of these key players raises questions about the future of the Aggies. How will the coaching staff adapt to these changes? With the transfer portal becoming a crucial aspect of college football, teams are now tasked with not only recruiting new talent but also retaining their existing players. Texas A&M’s ability to navigate this landscape will be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge.
The Aggies have already begun to fill some gaps by bringing in new athletes through the portal. This blend of incoming talent and outgoing players creates a dynamic environment that could either propel the team to new heights or lead to challenges on the field.
As Texas A&M prepares for their upcoming bowl game against USC, fans are left wondering how these roster changes will affect the team’s performance. Will the new recruits mesh well with the existing players? Can the coaching staff effectively integrate new strategies to account for the loss of key contributors?
Looking ahead
The transfer portal has transformed the landscape of college football, and Texas A&M is at the center of this evolution. As they gear up for the Las Vegas Bowl, the focus will not only be on the game itself but also on how the team adapts to the changes in their roster.
With a blend of excitement and uncertainty, the Aggies are poised to face a crucial moment in their program’s history. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of Texas A&M football, and fans are eager to see how it all unfolds. What are your thoughts on the Aggies’ transfer portal losses? Share your opinions in the comments below!
