Texas A&M star WR is the second-highest-graded returning SEC receiver

· Yahoo Sports

Texas A&M's chances of making the College Football Playoff for a second straight season hinge on redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed taking the proverbial "next step" in his development, and while some believe he has already reached his ceiling as a passer after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, this writer's expectation is that 2026 will be his best season yet.

However, that will fully depend on the Aggies' revamped offensive line, featuring four new starters, combined with a wide receiver room led by junior Mario Craver, who reeled in 59 receptions for 917 yards and four touchdowns after transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season. Craver is considered one of the top playmakers and a potential first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.

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After KC Concepcion, who led the Aggies in receiving yards and touchdowns, was selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Browns back in late April, Craver's responsibilities have increased as the No. 1 receiver who will be moved around depending on the coverage to exploit slower defenders and provide Marcel Reed with wide-open looks for explosive plays through the air.

Last season, Craver averaged nearly 9 yards after the catch, which ranked top-10 nationally, and according to Pro Football Focus, the star junior is the second-highest-graded (81.4) returning SEC pass catcher just weeks before the 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State.

With the offseason transfer addition of former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4" to stretch the field with a 50/50 deep ball, he will become the No. 1 option in red-zone pass plays. Horton's deep-threat ability will open up the middle of the field for Mario Craver to exploit cover-2 looks.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M star WR is the second-highest-graded returning SEC receiver

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