Ray Coney steps up as Texas A&M's defensive leader after dominant win

Texas A&M's recent 50-0 victory over Missouri State marked the largest shutout for the Aggies since 1997, showcasing not only the offensive prowess of starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who completed 21 of 30 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns, but also an elite defensive performance. The Aggies' defense held the Bears to a mere 67 total yards, including just 30 passing yards, demonstrating a dominant display that sets a high standard for the season ahead.

Missouri State's head coach, Casey Woods, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at SMU, faced a formidable challenge as Texas A&M's revamped defensive line and secondary consistently pressured quarterback Skyler Locklear throughout the game. As the Aggies prepare to host Arizona State, who recently scored 70 points against Morgan State, the stakes are set to rise significantly.

Heading into the 2026 season, the linebacker rotation for Texas A&M was a point of concern after the departure of three-year starter Taurean York to the NFL. However, Ray Coney, a transfer from Tulsa, has quickly established himself as a key player in this unit. Alongside sophomore Noah Mikhail, both linebackers led the team with 13 tackles, with Coney stepping into the critical 'green dot' role, effectively acting as the quarterback of the defense.

In a recent media session, Coney expressed his comfort within the system and his role as a veteran voice among the linebackers. "It's been pretty easy. At some places, you'll be a new guy and it's hard to get your voice out there, but I feel like with them, they really embrace me and being a veteran guy. Anything I say is coming from a good place," Coney stated, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by his teammates.

The View from the Cheap Seats

Coney's decision to join Texas A&M was influenced by the program's reputation for player development, particularly under head coach Mike Elko, known for his success as a defensive playcaller. Coney noted, "Just seeing the success of the program and how they developed players. You get 13 people going to the (NFL) Combine, that's not a coincidence. That's real development coming from within. It just felt right."

As Texas A&M looks to maintain their momentum and avoid an upset against Arizona State, the performance of Coney and the rest of the defense will be crucial. They must effectively contain quarterback Cutter Boley and limit explosive plays to secure a second consecutive victory at Kyle Field.