In the high-stakes world of the NCAA Transfer Portal, “surprises” are rarely pleasant. For Texas A&M, the recent flurry of activity has seen some promising talent head for the exit. Defensive ends Rylan Kennedy and Solomon Williams have both declared their intention to enter the portal, leaving the Aggies with a noticeable void at the edge.
With star veteran Cashius Howell having exhausted his eligibility and these two underclassmen—who had shown significant flashes of brilliance—departing, a lesser program might be hitting the panic button. But Mike Elko isn’t most coaches. He has already executed a “silver bullet” plan to ensure the 12th Man’s defense doesn’t just survive this attrition, but thrives.
The Return of the Specialist
The cornerstone of Elko’s strategy is the blockbuster re-hiring of Elijah Robinson. Bringing “E-Rob” back to College Station as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach is more than just a sentimental reunion; it is a tactical masterstroke.
Robinson is widely regarded as one of the premier developers of defensive line talent in the country. During his previous six-year stint in Aggieland, he was the architect behind the development of NFL-caliber monsters like DeMarvin Leal and Micheal Clemons. By bringing Robinson back from Syracuse, Elko has effectively insulated the program against portal losses by installing a coach whose reputation alone is a recruiting and retention powerhouse.
Development Meets New Blood
The departure of Kennedy and Williams opens the door for a new generation of pass rushers. The Aggies are welcoming a haul of elite talent in the 2026 class, including Tristian Givens and Samu Moala. When you pair these blue-chip prospects with returning contributors like Marco Jones, the presence of Robinson becomes the ultimate equalizer.
Robinson’s ability to take raw, athletic freshmen and mold them into refined SEC starters is legendary. While the portal takes away experience, Elko’s plan replaces it with elite coaching and high-ceiling youth. The message to the roster is clear: if you stay, you will be developed by the best in the business.
Playing the Portal Game
Elko and Robinson aren’t just relying on high school recruits, however. The Aggies are expected to be aggressive in the winter portal window to find veteran “bridge” players to bolster the depth chart. Robinson’s deep ties across the country make him a lethal weapon in the portal era, where relationships often outweigh NIL figures.
As Texas A&M prepares for a 2026 campaign that features a brutal SEC slate, the defensive front remains the identity of the program. Thanks to Elko’s foresight in securing Robinson, what could have been a defensive line crisis is now simply a passing of the torch.