Texas A&M senior safety named to Lott Trophy Watchlist
· Yahoo Sports
Texas A&M's 2026 secondary is by far the deepest it's been under now third-year coach Mike Elko, led by senior safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe, while Colorado transfer Tawfiq Byard is already an established veteran who did not allow a passing touchdown in over coverage snaps last season.
While Brooks has already received national praise and is considered a Jim Thorpe Award nominee after his career year, Marcus Ratcliffe might just be the most important defender for Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill, providing veteran leadership, versatility, and impressive athleticism at 6'3", and has put in the work this offseason to reach his full potential.
Visit rouesnews.click for more information.
After recording 66 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three pass deflections last season, Ratcliffe is in line to potentially lead the Aggies in tackles based on how he'll be used in the box, especially after star senior linebacker Daymion Sanford suffered a lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game.
On Friday, Ratcliffe earned a spot on the 2026 Lott Trophy Watchlist, given to players who embody leadership on and off the field, as the former San Diego State transfer recently sponsored veterans on trips back to Normandy for the annual D-Day anniversary.
Per Pro Football Focus, Ratcliffe finished with an 80.3 defensive grade, which was the sixth-highest among SEC starting safeties. Paired with a notable 79.2 run defense grade and 81.7 coverage grade, Marcus Ratcliffe is in line to impress NFL scouts during his final season in College Station.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe named to Lott Trophy Watchlist