Offseason development, leadership and In-N-Out burgers were just a few of the topics discussed during Texas A&M's player media availability on Thursday afternoon. The Aggies are 23 days away from kicking off the 2026 season against Missouri State at Kyle Field, which means full-pad practices are now full-go. For many, like sophomore linebacker Noah Mikhail, this isn't their first go-around donning the Maroon and White uniform. Mikhail saw the field a plethora of times in his first season playing collegiate football for Texas A&M in 2025, making appearances in all 13 games and collecting 16 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry. Meanwhile, as the Aggies look to rebuild after losing production to the 2026 NFL Draft, Alabama transfer offensive lineman Wilkin Formby is preparing to make his first appearance in Aggieland on Sept. 5. Here is what Mikhail and Formby said following Texas A&M's seventh preseason practice: Mikhail on his progression and development this offseason
"There's a few things that go into that. First, it's being intentional. As a linebacker in our defense, there's got to be a commanding presence out there... somebody getting the defense set," Mikhail said.
Mikhail discusses what the Aggie coaching staff gave him to work on in the spring
"Some things that coach (Lyle Hemphill) gave me to work on in the spring, footwork wise, has really played into how I've grown as a linebacker this year and just the physicality piece of it," Mikhail said. "Coach has got us playing really far downhill and that's helping out a lot with my game."
Mikhail speaks on how he has improved his game to help take a larger role with Daymion Sanford still recovering from injury
"Dame's still the leading presence in that room, but at the end of the day, when we're on that field, somebody's got to take over (and) somebody's got to command," Mikhail said.
Mikhail hypes up fellow linebacker Ray Coney
"He's got a great motor (and) he's a real thumper. (He'll) come downhill (and) hit people. He's going to be a great addition to the defense," Mikhail said.
Mikhail gives his stance on the current battle at cornerback
"I think our secondary room is great (and) I think all of our corners are going to be ready to play and they're all great guys," Mikhail said.
Mikhail on how it's been practicing in the brutal Texas heat
"It's hot in California, but we don't got humidity (like Texas), so that's the biggest difference," Mikhail said.
Mikhail weighs in on the In-N-Out vs. Whataburger debate
"In-N-Out all day. Anybody who likes Whataburger, we can have that discussion. I stand on In-N-Out any day of the week," Mikhail said. "I go two double-doubles, one animal style and one normal, and some animal fries."
Mikhail on what he learned from last season
"Film study (is) big. I learned a lot of that from (Taurean) York. He was always watching film, no matter what time it was," Mikhail said. "That stuck with me a lot because if you know what the offense is doing, now you're one step ahead."
Formby discusses how the offensive line is coming along
"It's coming along well. It's a unique group, from my career, being able to play with so many guys that are capable of playing, it's like different lineups everywhere," Formby said. "It breathes confidence I'm sure in our coaches and our offense when we have so many talented players at each position."
Formby says the OL is focused on getting better one day at a time, not on who will start when the ball is spotted
"Not many people are putting a focus on that. A big thing is just worrying about how we can improve our game on the last play and the next play. It hasn't been a huge thought," Formby said.
Formby on offensive line coach Adam Cushing
"There's so many things that I like about Coach Cushing. He's just such a good teacher. He really teaches me well. We spend hours together meeting and he always makes time for me and the other guys to just get together and spend time with each other. He's just a football junkie. He loves football," Formby said.
Formby discusses what it's been like protecting Reed
"The offense is so much fun to play in when you have a quarterback like Marcel Reed," Formby said.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M's sophomore LB, Alabama transfer OL discuss Aggies' progress