Texas A&M's 2026 Maroon & White Game nearly turned into an absolute nightmare for third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff after senior linebacker Daymion Sanford, who recorded 57 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, all career highs last season, suffered a brutal fibula injury that, at first glance, looked like a potential season-ending impairment.
However, after making his way to SEC Media Days last month, joining Mike Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe, Daymion Sanford had already graduated from a walking boot after his offseason surgery, while Elko stated that his veteran linebacker was on track to start against Missouri State during the Aggies' 2026 season opener.
Through 11 preseason practices, Sanford has
been a full participant in every defensive drill and, based on the footage we've received, is moving well, showing explosiveness on the blocking sled with zero setbacks thus far. After Tuesday's practice, Mike Elko said Sanford's progress is going "really well" just two weeks before A&M hosts Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
On paper, Daymion Sanford is one of the most important players on the roster, with the experience and versatility of a pass rusher on third down, and he's one of the smarter players looking to become a more consistent run defender during his final season.
While Sanford is fully capable of playing middle or outside linebacker, the addition of transfer Ray Coney, combined with rising sophomore Noah Mikhail, provides new LB coach Travis Williams with one of the more underrated linebacker rooms in the SEC.
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko with a quick response when asked how linebacker Daymion Sanford has progressed: “Really well.”
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) August 18, 2026
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 Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M senior LB has progressed 'really well' this preseason
