Texas A&M Aggies are currently in the process of rebuilding their team after a disappointing exit from the College Football Playoff. Despite this setback, the Aggies remain focused on maintaining their strong defensive reputation and continue to look for talented players through the transfer portal.

One such player is Xavier Gilliam, a former defensive lineman from Penn State Nittany Lions. Gilliam recently announced his visit to Texas A&M, signaling his search for a new collegiate home. The Aggies have taken a bold approach, aiming to make significant moves to strengthen their roster.

Gilliam’s time at Penn State was marked by challenges, as the program faced a major downturn. This included the firing of head coach James Franklin during the 2025 season. The Nittany Lions struggled throughout the year, failing to meet expectations despite being ranked No. 2 preseason behind the Texas Longhorns.

In the 2025 season, Gilliam recorded 15 tackles with two for loss and 0.5 sacks. His half sack came in the regular season finale against Rutgers. However, he did not record any stats in Penn State’s Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson or in the season opener against Nevada. During his redshirt freshman season in 2024, Gilliam only appeared in four games, recording a single tackle against Maryland.

Penn State’s performance in 2025 was inconsistent, leading to a six-game losing streak that resulted in the dismissal of head coach James Franklin. Quarterback Drew Allar also suffered a season-ending injury during a game against Northwestern. Despite these challenges, the team managed to turn things around, winning their last four games, including the bowl game against Clemson.

According to 247Sports, Gilliam is currently ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman in the transfer rankings and No. 31 overall. His potential move to Texas A&M could significantly bolster the Aggies’ defense.

The Aggies have been actively reaching out to various players in the transfer portal, with several high-profile visits scheduled. These include:

• A dual-threat running back from the Big 10
• A tight end transfer who has set a visit to Texas A&M
• A G5 standout linebacker on an official visit
• A local tight end visiting this weekend
• A top defensive lineman in the transfer portal
• A major wide receiver on a portal visit

These moves reflect Texas A&M’s commitment to strengthening their roster and competing at the highest level. With the addition of players like Gilliam, the Aggies are poised to make a strong return in the upcoming season.

As the Aggies continue to explore options in the transfer portal, fans can expect more exciting developments. The team’s focus on building a competitive defense and improving their overall performance will be crucial in their journey forward.