Texas A&M’s addition of 5-star linebacker Kaden Henderson Thursday has added a big piece to the 2027 puzzle, as the Aggies will have to replace some key players.

The Aggies went into the spring game with the idea that Daymion Sanford would be the key cog in the 2026 linebacker corps, but that idea hit a roadblock when Sanford suffered an ankle injury during the Maroon and White Game.

Sanford could return for the start of the season, but that’s not a certainty. As a result, Tulsa transfer Ray Coney — the nation’s leading tackler in 2025 — and sophomore Noah Mikhail could be the starters against Missouri State on Sept. 5. One way or the other, underclassmen will likely get a bigger role to play this year.

The most likely players to see more time this season are Mikhail, who looked outstanding this spring, and junior Jordan Lockhart. Mikhail will likely back up Sanford (and start in his potential absence), while Lockhart will back up Coney. That would set those two players up to start in 2027.

Looking ahead

Even with the departure of Sanford and Coney — both seniors — the Aggies should have a pretty full linebacker room next year. With Henderson’s commitment and another linebacker target nearing a decision (more on him in a minute) A&M’s probably going to end up in a position where they’re in better shape numerically than they’ve been in decades.

Potential 2027 depth chart (with next year’s eligibility)

MIKE	WILL
Jordan Lockhart (Sr.)	Noah Mikhail (Jr.)
Tank King (RS-Fr. or So.)	Qui Beck (RS-Fr. or So.)
Storm Miller (RS-Fr. or So.)	Tamarion Watkins (RS-Fr. or So.)
Kaden Henderson (Fr.)	Aston Whiteside (Fr.)

After Lockhart and Mikhail (should they stick around; you can never tell with the portal), everything should be a free-for-all come next spring. I wouldn’t be surprised if Henderson and Watkins, for example, end up being the second teamers. We won’t know until this time next year or maybe later.

Who’s the other guy?

The one remaining linebacker A&M is seriously in pursuit of is 4-star linebacker Mikahi Allen of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J. Allen made an official visit to College Station the weekend of May 29 and the Aggies seem to be well ahead in his recruitment. He plans to commit on July 11.