Texas A&M transfer LB Ray Coney brings elite PFF grade, instant impact

Texas A&M’s 2026 linebacker rotation will lose three-year starter Taurean York and senior Scooby Williams, both of whom declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, leading coach Mike Elko to enter the transfer portal with a clear need for a starting middle linebacker to fill the void left by York while also looking for more size.

Thanks to Texas A&M’s previous success in the transfer portal, Elko secured a commitment from Tulsa linebacker Ray Coney, whose lone season with the Hurricanes made him one of the most underrated transfer additions, compiling 128 tackles, 41 solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble at 6-foot-2 and nearly 250 pounds.

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Among other transfer linebackers viewed as “instant impact” players, Coney is the second-highest-rated linebacker committed to a new team for the 2026 season, according to Pro Football Focus’ 2025 grades, with an impressive 87.6 overall grade behind Oklahoma State transfer linebacker Ethan Wesloski.

With a run defense grade of 86.3 and a pass rush grade of 74.5, Coney checks every box for Mike Elko and new linebackers coach Travis Williams and will likely become the team’s starting middle linebacker, joining incoming senior and two-time SEC Player of the Week LB Daymion Sanford, who is already a veteran standout on defense.

Coyne’s 86.3 run defense grade is equally important. While run defense starts downfield, having enough size and strength to stop physical running backs at the second level was a persistent issue last season that should be addressed next season.