(Photo: NBC News)
For years, the Texas A&M Aggies have either been a middle-of-the-pack team, struggled significantly, or underachieved when expectations were high entering a season. They fired Kevin Sumlin after six seasons and brought in Jimbo Fisher, who many considered a top-five coach in the country at the time due to his success with the Florida State Seminoles. He was expected to elevate the program to the next level—but ultimately couldn’t deliver. Jimbo was eventually fired as well. Last season, the program hired Mike Elko, previously Duke’s head coach. So far this season, the Aggies are undefeated and the lone unbeaten team in the SEC. Let’s take a look at what’s made this group so strong in 2025.
The Aggies’ success this year is due to many factors, but what stands out most to me is their vastly improved passing attack, led by quarterback Marcel Reed. He has shown significant growth, particularly in the short and intermediate passing game. Even with a limited deep-ball threat, the offense remains effective. Unlike in past seasons—when the team often relied on one strategy to win games, usually to their detriment—this year’s Aggies have shown the ability to win in multiple ways. I’m a strong advocate of the transfer portal, and the Aggies have taken full advantage of it. Mario Craver and KC Concepcion have emerged as one of the elite wide receiver tandems in the country, and the addition of tight end Nate Boerkircher has made an immediate impact. All three transfers have bolstered this offense. Texas A&M currently ranks seventh in the SEC in scoring, averaging 34 points per game.
I often say that explosive plays down the field are like “home runs”—but you don’t always have to swing for the fences. Sometimes it’s better to hit singles and doubles—using the short passing game—to build momentum. That approach opens up the rest of the field and forces defenses to adjust and account for every level of the passing game. Defensively, Texas A&M has also been outstanding this year. Credit goes to coaching, player development, and a return to basic football fundamentals—finishing tackles, maintaining lane discipline, making stops, and swarming to the ball. One of the most impressive aspects of this defense is their third-down performance. They’ve allowed only two third-down conversions all season, which is simply unheard of. I often refer to third downs as “money downs.” If your offense converts them to keep drives alive—or your defense gets off the field to hand the ball back—you’ve done your job. Even when they give up a big play, this Aggie defense has shown the ability to bounce back and lock in when it matters most. Overall, they rank 5th in total defense in the SEC, allowing just 294.5 yards per game. What I respect most is that this defense doesn’t rely on just one standout player. They play with a collective mindset—wanting to dominate as a unit. Communication is key, and this group clearly knows what every teammate is doing on the field. That level of cohesion is a hallmark of great defenses.
Let’s give Mike Elko credit for the culture he’s building in College Station. He’s fostered a strong belief in this team’s ability to win. After their win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish earlier in the season, that belief became very real. Elko’s leadership has brought a more versatile, confident approach to this entire team. Three teams have stood out to me in the SEC this season: Georgia, Alabama, and now, Texas A&M. This fanbase believes the Aggies are not only good enough to compete for an SEC championship—but perhaps a national title as well.
