Texas A&M's linebacker rotation has flashed but remains a work in progress through the first two games of the 2026 season. Senior Daymion Sanford has yet to make his debut after suffering a serious fibula injury that could sideline him for more than half the year. However, his speedy recovery and preseason participation gave coach Mike Elko and his staff hope for an early return.
Sanford dressed out and warmed up during both wins against Missouri State and Arizona State on Saturday afternoon, but his absence was felt, especially on third down. In his absence, sophomore Noah Mikhail and transfer Ray Coney have started, while Mikhail has, at least through the first two games, looked like the best linebacker.
Entering the offseason, new defensive
coordinator Lyle Hemphill and LB coach Travis Williams banked on Coney to learn the defense as the "green dot" and starting middle linebacker, along with the hope that Mikhail and junior Jordan Lockhart would reach their potential as reliable, versatile starters.
Through two games, Mikhail has 13 tackles and earned the team's highest run-defense grade against ASU, while Ray Coney has 12 tackles but earned one of the lowest tackling grades and struggled in coverage. Still, Mike Elko trusts this duo and provided an update on when he expects Daymion Sanford to return.
"It's never a problem when you have too many good players. I've never once had that be a problem," Elko said. "Daymion is a kid who is a captain, a really talented player, and he's going to be ready at some point. In his absence, it has been awesome to see Ray (Coney) and Noah (Mikhail). We'll have to be creative with how we utilize those three guys when we get Daymion back."
It will be interesting to witness how Elko, Hemphill, and Williams utilize the linebacker rotation once Sanford returns, which could be against Kentucky on Wednesday or, most likely, against LSU in Baton Rouge the following Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko shares an update on Texas A&M senior LB's return status
