We’re just two days into the new year, and the open transfer portal has brought a ton of news about Texas A&M’s future visitors, including two standout defensive veterans who will immediately help the Aggies in 2026 if they choose to transfer to College Station.
First up, Penn State freshman defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam had 16 tackles, half a sack and a forced fumble, finishing his first season with a 61.3 defensive grade and an 85.1 defensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Gilliam, who is 6-foot-2 and over 300 pounds, is ranked No. 31 in the transfer portal rankings and will likely replace Texas A&M DL Tyler Odyedim, who is entering the NFL draft.
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Gilliam’s visit date is unknown, as he also could visit Indiana and Notre Dame in the next two weeks. Next week, former Nevada edge player Jonathan Maldonado will visit the Aggies on Monday and Tuesday, and if head coach Mike Elko and his staff are smart, signing Maldonado needs to be a priority next week. Entering his senior season, Maldonado had 38 tackles, five sacks and four pass deflections, finishing with an elite pass rush grade (PFF) of 85.8.
In need of adding three or four defensive linemen from the portal, Maldonado would be a direct replacement for Cassius Howell, providing more length and curved edges. Atkins, meanwhile, is just scratching the surface of his potential, and he has all the attributes to make an impact in the 2026 rotation.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M to host transfers edge Jonathan Maldonado, Xavier Gilliam