Some erstwhile Texas A&M football players are doing better than others at their new destinations.
The transfer portal has impacted Texas A&M football just like it has every other team, marking a new reality in college football.
Fans from all teams are keen to see how their departing players fare, especially in a situation like A&M’s. They often keep tabs on how their former athletes are progressing in their new environments.
Many former Texas A&M players are striving to succeed at their new schools. Some have made notable strides, while others have realized that the new opportunities may not be as ideal as they imagined.
Here’s an update on a few former Aggies and their current situations.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Bryce Foster – Kansas
Is A&M’s loss of Foster as significant as it seems?
Foster was a consistent starter for the Aggies last year, marking 28 starts over three seasons in College Station. He appeared to have a promising future, having been a notable recruit for coaches Josh Henson and Jimbo Fisher.
However, after a strong start, Foster fell out of favor, with Mark Nabou gaining the spotlight. Now, due to an injury to Faaiu, that position is up for grabs.
Had Foster left in 2021, it would have been a major setback. Now, with the transfer portal’s prevalence, this decision feels almost anticipated. While Aggie fans wish him well, he likely won’t evoke strong feelings if the Jayhawks face off against the Aggies in the future.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Colton Thomasson – Baylor
Thomasson’s sizable presence will be missed, but he didn’t have a significant impact at Texas A&M.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and 320 pounds, he could have been an asset if any of the offensive linemen got injured. Although Mark Nabou was injured at the start of the season, Thomasson wouldn’t have been called to play center.
His absence doesn’t seem to make much difference, as he’s currently a backup at Baylor. He’ll be relied upon only if the right tackle gets hurt.
Despite the Aggies facing a setback at the beginning of the season, Kolinu’u Faaiu is more than capable of filling the void.
The Aggies are well-equipped to handle the offensive line without Thomasson.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Walter Nolen – Ole Miss
Nolen’s entry into the transfer portal was initially seen as a major loss for Texas A&M’s defense.
We’ve previously discussed how the defensive line would cope without Nolen. A highly regarded recruit from high school, he accumulated 66 total tackles and five sacks during his time with the Aggies and is recognized as one of the top defensive linemen in the nation.
So far, he hasn’t had to contribute much during lopsided victories against Furman and Middle Tennessee, managing just one solo tackle and three assisted tackles in those games.
Once Ole Miss enters SEC competition, they’ll expect him to make a significant impact on run defense. However, he hasn’t been a major contributor yet, despite being one of the most high-profile additions to the team.
The Aggies faced offseason uncertainties with players like Nolen transferring, but after their game against Notre Dame, it appears they’ve found their rhythm. Nolen may find himself regretting his decision, considering the potential productivity of Texas A&M’s defensive line.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Evan Stewart – Oregon
Many believe Stewart’s departure could prove to be a significant loss as the season progresses.
He was a reliable receiver for the Aggies, recording 38 receptions, 514 yards, and two touchdowns last season. While those numbers aren’t stellar given his high ranking, they were likely affected by his inconsistent availability and Jimbo’s offensive strategy.
At Oregon, expectations were high for him to shine immediately. In his first game, he only managed three catches for 15 yards in a narrow victory over the Idaho Vandals.
However, he stepped up during a critical moment against Boise State in week two, catching five passes for 112 yards and a touchdown when the Broncos were gaining momentum in the second half.
Don’t be surprised if Dillon Gabriel develops a strong connection with Stewart, as they could become key assets in driving the offense forward by December.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Fadil Diggs – Syracuse
This is a significant loss for Texas A&M on the defensive side.
Diggs was a key player on the defensive line and served as a former captain for the Aggies.
During his time at A&M, he recorded 75 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. His ability as a run stopper will be missed, especially after not having the chance to play under head coach Mike Elko.
This situation could prove detrimental for the Aggies, especially with two strong interior linemen entering the transfer portal.
Diggs is already making a major impact at Syracuse, which has looked impressive this season and is poised to make some noise.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Isaiah Raikes – Auburn
Raikes is a powerhouse on the defensive front.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 323 pounds of solid muscle, he’s someone offensive linemen didn’t want to face.
During his time at Texas A&M, he was effective in tackling, but now he finds himself in the transfer portal heading to an SEC rival.
His journey has been unique; he started at Southern Cal before transferring again in the spring and is now at Auburn.
Although he was a dependable starter for the Aggies, he felt the need for a change in order to elevate his game.
He’ll bring valuable experience to the Tigers.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: LT Overton – Alabama
Overton is someone who will maximize his playing time at Alabama.
He has already made an impact, providing a much-needed boost against the University of South Florida.
Overton recorded four quarterback hurries during that game when the Bulls’ offense was dominating.
During his time with the Aggies, he accumulated 48 tackles and consistently proved to be a dependable player when stopping the opposition was crucial. While he may not have posted flashy stats, his ability to influence the game was significant in various ways.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Jardin Gilbert – LSU
Jardin Gilbert had a standout sophomore season with Texas A&M, but his junior year was unfortunately interrupted by injury.
In his sophomore year, he recorded 61 total tackles and 38 solo tackles while playing safety, ranking second on the team for solo tackles. With 10 starts, he provided a sense of security for Aggie fans as a dependable player in the secondary.
Regrettably, his junior season was halted by a shoulder injury, preventing him from making an impact.
This loss is a puzzling one for the Aggies, and it’s safe to say it’s a tough blow for the team.
Injuries are part of the game, and they can sometimes lead to players seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Unfortunately for the Aggies, they drew the short straw in this situation.
Tracking Texas A&M football portal departures: Jake Johnson – North Carolina
Jake Johnson had a challenging start to the year.
His brother Max, a former Aggie, suffered a serious leg injury at the beginning of the 2024 season.
Max was carted off, and the Tar Heels have been seeking solutions ever since.
For Jake, Max is not just a brother; he’s his top quarterback.
The strong connection they had during their time at Texas A&M won’t be carried over this season.
Jake is a dynamic receiver once he gets the ball and can make plays in the secondary.
While he may not be the same asset he was in an Aggie uniform, he’s expected to serve as a key red zone option for the Tar Heels.
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