Reed, Riley, Sanford, Ratcliffe & Brooks named A&M's 2026 team captains

Setting the tone.

On Friday, Texas A&M announced quarterback Marcel Reed, tight end Micah Riley, linebacker Daymion Sanford and safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks were named the 2026 team captains.

With all three captains in Taurean York, Ar’maj Reed-Adams and Trey Zuhn III declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, Mike Elko needed a few veterans to step into an expanded leadership role in 2026.

Entering his second year as a full-time starter, Marcel Reed is looking to take another step in 2026. As a sophomore, he passed for 3,169 yards, ran for 493 and was one of the most popular names in college football in November.

The other captain on the offensive side of the ball is tight end Micah Riley. Used as a blocking tight end when he saw action, it is evident that, off the field, his voice carries weight inside the locker room.

Daymion Sanford rose up as a playmaker in Mike Elko’s second-year defense. The Katy, Texas native emerged as a starter, recording 25 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Playing in all 13 games last season, Marcus Ratcliffe has been a steady contributor during his time in Aggieland. Away from football, his initiative Mission 3:12 partnered with Walk Among Heroes for the second straight year. For every turnover the Aggies recovered last season, $312 was donated toward travel funds for a World War II veteran to visit Normandy.

Last but not least, Dalton Brooks is heading into his senior season, spending all of his college career in Aggieland. The Shiner, Texas safety recorded 62 total tackles, one forced fumble and a pick a season ago.