Aggieland · 2026 Roster · 2026 SR
This Season
Depth ChartWeek 1 official depth chart · vs Missouri State (released Aug 31) · 2026-08-31
Standalone starter; captain.
Availability
Production
No verified stat lines yet — production lands here as corpus and official stats are ingested. Nothing is fabricated to fill the gap.
The Next Level
NFL Comp
No published comp.
Draft Window
Eligibility unknown.
NIL Valuation
—
No published valuation
Intel Feed · Aggie Yell
September 2026
10 claims
"He'll join a secondary led by Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks, who have combined for six turnovers over the last two seasons."
↗ Three keys to victory: Texas A&M set to open the season against Missouri State
""No one even budges, no one moves, everyone stays in their seats and everyone wants to support us and watch us," Marcus Ratcliffe said at SEC Media Days of the South Carolina game. "So as a player, that means the most to me. So I just want to give back to them and give them wins at Kyle Field.""
↗ Why dozens of recruits are heading to Texas A&M this weekend: Aggie Yell Column
"Aggie coach Mike Elko and safety Marcus Ratcliffe made it clear in their pressers earlier this week that they're not taking this game lightly and will attack the Missouri State prep from all angles."
↗ Texas A&M vs. Missouri State score predictions, analysis from Aggie Yell staff
"Five from Elko's 2024 class (portal and recruiting) are starters or are at the top with the "OR" designation, those being defensive back transfers Dezz Ricks (Alabama) and Marcus Ratcliffe (San Diego State), as well as wideouts Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey, and offensive lineman Blake Ivy."
↗ Texas A&M roster defined by retention, while making key portal acquisitions and recruiting at a high level
"Safety Marcus Ratcliffe. This is a difficult one, but I'm going with Ratcliffe. And that's for the same reason as I chose Craver – I think you know what you're going to get from him week in and week out."
↗ Texas A&M football statistical leader projections for 2026: Aggie Yell season predictions Part II
"Quarterback Marcel Reed, running back Rueben Owens II, receiver Mario Craver, linebacker Ray Coney, defensive end Anto Saka and safety Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Texas A&M football statistical leader projections for 2026: Aggie Yell season predictions Part II
"Ratcliffe ranked second on the team in 2024 with three interceptions but failed to record one last fall after dropping three picks, so positive regression seems possible."
↗ Texas A&M football statistical leader projections for 2026: Aggie Yell season predictions Part II
"Quarterback Marcel Reed, running back Rueben Owens II, wide receiver Mario Craver, linebacker Ray Coney, defensive end Marco Jones and safety Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Texas A&M football statistical leader projections for 2026: Aggie Yell season predictions Part II
"I always envisioned me going to the NFL. That's always been a goal of mine."
↗ Everything Texas A&M WR Mario Craver, DB Marcus Ratcliffe said ahead of Missouri State
"safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks"
↗ Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko sizes up team, new depth chart before Aggies open season with Missouri State
August 2026
28 claims
"safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks"
↗ Texas A&M football releases first depth chart ahead of 2026 season, opener vs. Missouri State
"While it might be difficult to earn valuable snaps when playing behind team captains Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks, and Colorado transfer Tawfiq Byard, Collins could make an impact after the Aggies tied for second to last nationally in picks last season with only three."
↗ Texas A&M football fall camp superlatives: MVPs, best freshman and more for Aggies this preseason
"Starting safety: Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Final Texas A&M football two-deep depth chart projection for 2026 season
"Safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe are two of five team captains, two-year incumbent starters and ranked among the top three on the team in tackles over each of the last two years."
↗ Inside Texas A&M fall camp: Nickel Jordan Shaw a 'slept-on player,' motivated for big 2026 season
"returning both starters in Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe from a year ago"
↗ Texas A&M fall camp intel: Aggies' secondary starting to take shape
"During 11-on-11 red zone work, safety Marcus Ratcliffe intercepted Reed on a pass over the middle into traffic."
↗ Texas A&M football fall camp intel: Insider notes from 14th preseason practice for Aggies
"It's an interesting safety room that returns both starters from a season ago in Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks, who were one of the higher-rated safety duos in the conference last year."
↗ Texas A&M fall camp intel: What we're hearing from the Aggies' preseason (Defense)
"Projected starting safety: Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Texas A&M football mid-fall camp depth chart projection: Defense
"Reed is among seven returning starters, joining wide receivers Ashton Bethel-Roman and Mario Craver, center Mark Nabou Jr., defensive end TJ Searcy, cornerback Dezz Ricks and safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Texas A&M football receives highest ranking in preseason AP Poll since 2022, cracks top 10
"The Aggies revealed them Friday, using safety Marcus Ratcliffe in a promotional video on its social media pages."
↗ Texas A&M football to wear specialty camouflage 'honor and support' uniforms vs. Arkansas in 2026
"The role of Marcus Ratcliffe is one that Snell is expected to fill, with the ability to play zone on the backend while also being big and physical enough to come into the box and disrupt plays in the backfield."
↗ AggieYell on the Road: Waxahachie continues to be a hotbed for recruiting talent behind Jayquan Snell
"Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List"
↗ Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List
"Ratcliffe was also recognized for his efforts off the field in July when Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) named him one of 162 student-athletes as nominees for the 2026 Good Works Team."
↗ Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List
"Ratcliffe was named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list by the Football Writers Association of America last week."
↗ Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List
"In June, the Walter Camp Football Foundation named Ratcliffe to their Preseason FBS All-America Second Team. He was the only Texas A&M player to be named to one of their two preseason all-america teams."
↗ Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List
"Ratcliffe was named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Second Team earlier that month."
↗ Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List
"Owens set the tone early, getting to the third level on the first 11-on-11 play of practice before meeting safety Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Texas A&M fall camp intel: Insider takeaways from 2nd open practice of preseason for Aggies
"The Aggies return three players who saw over 600 snaps last season: Dalton Brooks, Dezz Ricks, and Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Guided by strong work ethic, Texas A&M CB Julio Humphrey hoping to help Aggies secondary reach full potential
"Safeties Dalton Brooks, Marcus Ratcliffe and Tawfiq Byard, and Ricks are proven, experienced players who have been impressive in media-observed practices."
↗ Texas A&M fall camp intel: Insider notes from 1st open preseason practice for Aggies
"Riley was named one of five team captains for 2026, joining Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks."
↗ Texas A&M TE Micah Riley excited to be healthy, first-time team captain for Aggies in 2026
"Edge rushers Marco Jones and Anto Saka, linebacker Noah Mikhail and safety Marcus Ratcliffe are among defensive players who have made noticeable strides in the weight room."
↗ 5 takeaways from 2nd Texas A&M practice of fall camp: Marco Jones aces eye test and more
"Ratcliffe has the best length and range"
↗ 5 takeaways from 2nd Texas A&M practice of fall camp: Marco Jones aces eye test and more
"With me and (Marcus Ratcliffe) being older, we can pass that along to the younger guys and that helps the whole room."
↗ Texas A&M DB Dalton Brooks, OL Mark Nabou, TE Micah Riley preview preseason camp
"Reed is among seven returning starters, joining wide receivers Ashton Bethel-Roman and Mario Craver, center Mark Nabou Jr., defensive end TJ Searcy, cornerback Dezz Ricks and safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Why Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko insists his third season leading the Aggies is their 'most challenging' one yet
"This presser comes just under two weeks after Elko was in Tampa, Florida, for SEC Media Days, where he was joined by quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Everything Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko said at first preseason camp press conference
"He was one of five A&M players who were named team captains in April, joining quarterback Marcel Reed, tight end Micah Riley, and safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Texas A&M LB Daymion Sanford 'on course' to play season opener, still working back from fibula injury
"Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe was named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, which the Football Writers Association of America released Tuesday."
↗ Texas A&M football safety Marcus Ratcliffe lands on Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list
"Seniors Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe, redshirt junior Tawfiq Byard, junior Myles Davis, redshirt freshman Rashad "Tom Tom" Johnson Jr., and true freshmen Chance Collins and Tylan Wilson make up their current safety room."
↗ Former Texas A&M football players who could be able to return following eligibility court ruling
May 2026
2 claims
"But right now, I can see myself playing as a boundary safety like where Marcus Ratcliffe is right now."
↗ Five-star JayQuan Snell talks to AggieYell about commitment, teams remaining in pursuit, and more
"Right now, they really like him as a boundary safety, similar to how they utilize Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ AggieYell on the Road: JayQuan Snell talks Texas A&M pledge + more
March 2026
2 claims
"With Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks both returning after last season, the need wasn't entirely clear."
↗ Texas A&M: The biggest storylines entering spring ball
"Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe both returned after strong showings last season"
↗ How will the Aggies' newest portal additions impact their defensive play in 2027?
January 2026
3 claims
"A year ago, the Aggies didn't have a true coverage specialist between Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks."
↗ Grading Texas A&M's Transfer Portal Additions: Defense
"After recently securing the returns of starting safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe for next season, the staff is now looking to add another contributor to help the backend generate more turnovers."
↗ Late Night Transfer Portal Notes
"Texas A&M has made significant progress toward finalizing deals to bring back a majority of its production, with safety Marcus Ratcliffe becoming the latest player to ink an agreement to secure his return for next season, sources tell AggieYell."
↗ Portal Tracker: Day before primer for Texas A&M
September 2025
4 claims
"The obvious options are Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks"
↗ Three Things I Know, Three Things I Don't: Aggies' SEC Opener
"Bryce Anderson remains one of the team leaders in missed tackles, but Marcus Ratcliffe's emergence has been a positive on the backend, and Dalton Brooks, returning from a Week One suspension, showed improvement as the game went on."
↗ 3 Key Takeaways From The Aggies' Win Over Utah State
"On a defense looking for new leaders, safety Marcus Ratcliffe stood out once again, picking up right where he left off last season."
↗ Three Things I Know, Three I Don’t: Takeaways from Win vs UTSA
"Marcus Ratcliffe may be answering that call. The former San Diego State standout looked the part in the opener, showing signs that he can be the steady presence and playmaker this secondary has been searching for."
↗ Three Things I Know, Three I Don’t: Takeaways from Win vs UTSA
August 2025
5 claims
"If you read any of my preseason articles or notes, you would know that safety Marcus Ratcliffe has drawn a lot of attention on the backend since the summer, and last night showed exactly why. In just his second year at Texas A&M, he looks poised for a breakout season."
↗ Key Takeaways from the Aggies’ Season Opener Against UTSA
"He was the team's top-graded defensive player according to PFF, earning an 80.5 and filling up the stat sheet."
↗ Key Takeaways from the Aggies’ Season Opener Against UTSA
"Another disappointing season from Bryce Anderson could open the door for Marcus Ratcliffe or freshman Rashad Johnson, a highly-touted newcomer who has drawn significant attention since arriving in College Station, to see early playing time."
↗ Countdown to Kickoff: Three Days, Three Remaining Questions for Texas A&M
"On the defensive side, safety Marcus Racliffe has been making a strong push for a starting role in the secondary. Sources say he's created a legitimate position battle after an impressive offseason and a standout fall camp."
↗ Camp Risers: Two Players Turning Heads Early
"As a sophomore at Texas A&M last season, Ratcliffe ranked eighth in the SEC with three interceptions and finished third on the team with 48 tackles."
↗ Camp Risers: Two Players Turning Heads Early
July 2025
2 claims
"early intel suggests a position battle could be brewing this fall following an impressive offseason from Marcus Ratcliffe."
↗ Inside Intel: Aggies’ Potential Position Battles Ahead of Fall Camp
"Since arriving in College Station last year as a transfer from San Diego State, Marcus Ratcliffe has emerged as both a key contributor and vocal leader for the Aggies' defense. In his sophomore campaign, his first season under Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, he recorded nearly 50 tackles, a forced fumble, and three interceptions (the second most on the team)."
↗ Inside Intel: Aggies’ Potential Position Battles Ahead of Fall Camp
The Recruit
Ratings Constellation
Roster History
| Year | School | Jersey | Position | Class | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Texas A&M | #3 | S | SR | 21 |
| 2025 | Texas A&M | #3 | S | JR | 21 |
| 2024 | Texas A&M | #3 | S | SO | 21 |
Recruiting Cycles
