Texas A&M's secondary entered the 2026 season with one of the country's deepest rotations, led by senior cornerbacks Dezz Ricks and Jullio Humphrey and veteran safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe, while transfer additions cornerback Rickey Gibson and safety Tawfiq Byard added depth to both units.
Over five games, the secondary ranks 44th nationally, allowing 191 passing yards per game, above average but not at the level we expected before the season began. Still, third-year coach Mike Elko and first-year DC Lyle Hemphill aren't lacking talent at cornerback or safety, so their ability to further develop the rotation will dictate future performance.
While Dezz Ricks had his worst games against LSU, he's been borderline elite in coverage;
the most consistent defensive back, though, has been senior nickel Bravion Rogers, who, according to Pro Football Network analyst Cam Mellor, is the second-highest-graded SEC cornerback in coverage, with an elite 90.7 grade.
In five games, Rogers has allowed just three receptions for 11 yards on 11 targets, played 103 snaps, and is by far the most important depth option on defense this season. Facing No. 14 Missouri on the road, Rogers and the rest of the Aggie secondary will need to keep Tigers QB Austin Simmons from connecting on too many explosive passes and let the pass rush get home.
Best @PFN365 coverage grades among SEC CBs:
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 8, 2026
Jahlil Florence, Missouri: 97.7
Bravion Rogers, Texas A&M: 90.7
Ty Redmond, Tennessee: 90.6
DJ Pickett, LSU: 90.4
PJ Woodland, LSU: 89.5
Khalil Barnes, Georgia: 87.9
Bo Mascoe, Texas: 87.8
Courtland Guillory, Oklahoma: 87.4
Kayin Lee,… pic.twitter.com/5SwuRSarVb
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: PFN ranks Texas A&M senior as second highest rated SEC CB in coverage
