After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, entering his third season at the helm, saw a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four starting offensive linemen, which was fully expected and something Elko and O-line coach Adam Cushing prepared for, landing six offensive line commits in the 2025 signing class.
Before all four 2025 starters were selected, Elko landed four SEC starting offensive linemen from the transfer portal, including former A&M commit and LSU starting guard Coen Echols, who is currently the leader to start at left guard after six preseason practices, but according to several beat writers who were in attendance for Wednesday's sixth practice, Echols has also been working out at center.
To avoid any speculation, senior Mark Nabou is, and will continue to be, A&M's starting center, but given the ongoing competition at guard with redshirt freshmen Tyler Thomas and Blake Ivy looking the part as well, there is a world where Echols ends up becoming a reserve offensive lineman with the versatility to play guard or center.
Now, what happens is that Elko and Cushing remain highly confident that this is the deepest offensive line since both coaches arrived in College Station, and are still considering a rotation that will include several options at left and right tackle. During his final season with the Tigers, Echols's Pro Football Focus grades were less than stellar, finishing with a 49.7 run-blocking mark and a much better 68.3 pass-protection grade.
With the 2026 season-opener vs. Missouri a mere 23 days away, Adam Cushing's final starting offensive line rotation should be decided sooner rather than later.
Fourth photo showing Coen Echols getting in some work at center: https://t.co/oYUMEy2RM2
— Alex Miller (@AlexMill20) August 13, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M transfer OL has reportedly been taking reps at center