Not long after Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule fired defensive line coach Terry Bradden, there was hope that a man known as one of the best recruiters in the game would be his replacement. Unfortunately, a Rhule reunion with Elijah Robinson isn't in the cards. At least not this year.
Robinson was pursued by Nebraska, LSU, and Texas A&M over the last few weeks. He was let go by Syracuse after the coach was demoted from defensive coordinator. When it was just the Huskers and Tigers in the bidding, NU looked to be ready to win the race. However, the Aggies jumped in and stole Robinson away.
With the news that Texas A&M co-defensive line coach Sean Spencer is headed to Virginia Tech in a lateral move, head coach Mike Elko quickly made a move to bring back Elijah Robinson to the 2026 staff.
How Texas A&M won the race for Elijah Robinson over Nebraska
It's a return to College Station for the one-time Nebraska coaching target. Robinson served as Texas A&M's interim head coach after Jimbo Fisher was fired at the end of the 2023 season and was on staff for six seasons as a defensive line coach.
Having been gone only two seasons, there are players on the Aggies roster who Robinson either recruited or coached who will no doubt be happy for his return. He was beloved by his players and was known as one of the elite recruiters in college football – both of which should make him a very worthwhile addition to the Aggies’ 2026 coaching staff.
Nebraska did hire Roy Manning as its edges coach earlier this month. Still, it's assumed Rhule will make one more move to handle defensive tackles. Earlier this week, the Huskers' head coach said that any more staff additions likely won't come until after the bowl game. That was a hint that he knew Robinson had chosen the SEC team over NU.