After securing a 48-20 victory over Arizona State to improve to 2-0 in 2026, Texas A&M will now turn its attention to a talented SEC foe with an offensive mastermind at the helm.
First-year head coach Will Stein and the Kentucky Wildcats will travel to College Station for a showdown against the Aggies on Saturday, marking the first contest between the two programs since 2018 and just their fourth matchup ever.
The Wildcats had No. 10 Alabama reeling in Lexington in Week 2, but were unable to close things out, leading to a 45-17 loss to the Crimson Tide. Among the many storylines in this game is the return of former Aggie defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, who is calling the shots for Kentucky's defensive unit.
Texas A&M's performance against Arizona State was solid, but there is still much to be desired, especially offensively. As was projected all offseason, the Aggies' offensive line struggled to establish dominance in the trenches, with a plethora of new pieces in the unit. That is something they must improve upon moving forward, as they open SEC play this weekend.
Here is everything Elko said during his weekly press conference, ahead of Saturday's matchup against Kentucky:

#matchup

Texas A&M football's is looking for another 2-0 start under Mike Elko.
Since talking over in College Station, the former Duke head coaco has had really strong Septembers. He's 8-0 in this month, including last week's beatdown.
To open 2026, the Aggies got off to a bit of slow start in before demolishing the Missouri State Bears 50-0. A&M scored just one touchdown on its first four drives. Then, the Aggies flipped the switch. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing, while the defense forced three fumbles and gave up 67 yards of offense.
MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP
The Sun Devils should be a much bigger challenge than the Bears of Conference USA. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has led his alma mater to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Arizona State began its fourth year under Dillingham by crushing Morgan State 70-7, with quarterback Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing.

#college #bears

Texas A&M's six remaining home games during the 2026 season will serve as critical recruiting opportunities for coach Mike Elko and his staff, especially in the 2028 recruiting cycle, as five-star quarterback Donald Tabron III and four-star Edge Chance Archangel serve as the lone commits in the class and will make their way back to campus this fall.
Plenty of intriguing names in the cycle will visit this weekend when the Aggies host Arizona State on Saturday afternoon, while five-star wide receiver Braylon Clark recently placed Texas A&M in his top 12 program list and will visit College Station on October 3 when the Aggies host Arkansas.
Under Mike Elko, Texas A&M has developed NFL talent at nearly every position, especially after a record-tying 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft back in late April. Elko's background as one of the best defensive coordinators in the country, currently serving as the Aggies' defensive playcaller, has continued to make its way to the eyes and ears of up-and-coming defenders, including 2028 four-star Edge David Dotson.
During his recent interview with Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman, Dotson named Texas A&M among several programs that "have his attention" heading into the fall months.
"Texas, Oklahoma, SMU, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, LSU, and Alabama all have my attention," Dotson continued. "They've each shown me why they want me and how I could fit into their program. The relationships with the coaches, player development, culture, academics, and overall fit are all important to me."

#star #aggies #elko

COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko doesn't want anybody to overlook Arizona State.
The Sun Devils may not be a traditional blue blood but the team is two years out from making the College Football Playoff. They've got a young, highly regarded offensive mind leading the program in Kenny Dillingham. They've also got plenty of NFL talent, including multiple guys at wide receiver and cornerback.
HOW TO WATCH
11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Kyle Field, College Station
ABC with Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter).
Radio: 97.5 FM with Andrew Monaco, Dave Elmendorf and Will Johnson

#college #station #elko #state

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko does not expect the SEC's escalating dispute with LSU to end with the Tigers being removed from the conference. During Wednesday's Aggie Football Hour, Elko compared the public standoff to a child testing a parent's limits before quickly backing down.
The SEC is no longer expected to vote Thursday on LSU's membership after the school finalized its 105-player football roster without former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. Both players signed NFL contracts and participated in training camps before attempting to return to college football.
The controversy escalated after a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction that opened the door for Wright, Harris and other athletes to regain their college eligibility. The SEC opposed LSU's plans, filed a federal lawsuit and scheduled a meeting of conference presidents and chancellors to consider the school's membership.
"This is a little bit like the son figuring out where the limits are until dad comes home and raises his voice, and then the son goes, 'I was just kidding, I didn't mean any of that,'" Elko said.
College athletics has resembled a never-ending soap opera in recent years, and the situation has only become more chaotic over the past few months. It is fair to say the sport has officially "jumped the shark."

#conference

Texas A&M made quite the statement in Week 1 of the 2026 college football season, shutting out Missouri State 50-0 thanks to an elite defensive effort, limiting the Bears to a pedestrian 67 total yards, while starting quarterback Marcel Reed was highly impressive, completing 20/31 for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns
This game was simply a tune-up before the Aggies embark on their first nine-game SEC schedule, which includes a brutal road stretch in the second half of the season. However, Texas A&M will host Arizona State for an early Saturday afternoon kickoff, one day after the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Last Saturday, Arizona State defeated Morgan State 70-7 behind former Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley, who threw for a career-high and program-record 387 yards and 6 touchdowns, which, no matter the opponent, is extremely impressive. During his final season with the Wildcats, Boley wasn't highly regarded as a passer, but he always had the potential to improve.
While three Arizona State wide receivers recorded over 100 yards, transfer WR Omarion Miller looks like the biggest threat to the Aggie secondary after reeling in 8 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown, looking like the Sun Devils' No. 1 receiver. Texas A&M never faced Boley during his time at Kentucky, but you can be sure Mike Elko and DC Lyle Hemphill are well aware of his breakout performance.
While Boley's improved accuracy and touch were impressive, several of his touchdown passes were off short passes or screens, while Morgan State's secondary was, well, very, very bad. Facing Texas A&M's deep cornerback and safety rotation will be his biggest challenge yet while playing inside what should be a near-sold-out Kyle Field.

#texas #saturday

No. 8 Texas A&M (1-0) was slow out of the gate during Saturday night's season opener vs. Missouri State, as the Aggies' revamped offensive line struggled to find consistency, giving up several pressures and two sacks on starting quarterback Marcel Reed, but thanks to adjustments from coach Mike Elko and OL coach Adam Cushing, this group tightened up in the second half.
Leading 19-0 going into halftime, Texas A&M's defense shut down the Bears throughout the night, which continued into the third and fourth quarters, allowing 67 total yards, including a pedestrian 37 rushing yards. With A&M's O-line improvement, the Aggie rushing attack made its late impact, as wide receiver Terry Bussey, RB Jamarion Morrow, and freshman running back Carsyn Baker scored touchdowns.
Marcel Reed completed 21/30 for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing impressive pass after impressive pass despite early pressure in his face, while transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton made his impact known, leading the game with 76 receiving yards and his first touchdown as an Aggie.
Before hosting Arizona State on Saturday, here are the latest Pro Football Focus grades on offense and defense after Texas A&M's 50-0 win over Missouri State in Week 1.
QB Marcel Reed — 80.6 offense, 78.6 passing, 66.8 running

#yards #leading #line

Texas A&M football's suffocating defense paved the way for a 50-0 victory against the Missouri State Bears to kick off the 2026 campaign at Kyle Field on Saturday night.
The Aggies' first-team defense gave up just 55 yards on 29 plays in the season opener. Meanwhile, junior quarterback Marcel Reed showed his offseason development, throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Texas A&M had three running backs rush for over 40 yards, 77 of which came from senior Rueben Owens II.
Noah Mikhail led the way on defense with seven tackles, followed by transfer linebacker Ray Coney, who notched six tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss, with Texas A&M's sole forced turnover coming from Ryan Henderson.
For head coach Mike Elko, the performance marked his 20th win as the head coach in Aggieland, but he's looking for much more this season. That includes a massive non-conference matchup against Arizona State in an SEC-versus-Big 12 showdown in Bryan-College Station next Saturday.
Here is everything Elko, Mikhail, Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton and Reed said following Texas A&M's first win of the 2026 season against Missouri State on Saturday night:

#state #saturday

Texas A&M starts it season Saturday against a Conference USA opponent and hopes to finish it against College Football Playoff opponent
The Aggies, led by head coach Mike Elko and quarterback Marcel Reed, open 2026 against Missouri State at home. Last season ended in the CFP against eventual national runner-up Miami. Today's game could be 20th win in Elko's tenure. He went 11-2 last year with Texas A&M and 8-4 the year prior.
MORE: Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko discusses UT rivalry
MORE: Fixing the defense, learning how to close are Texas A&M's 2026 to-do's
Missouri State is led by first-year head coach Casey Woods. Follow along for live scoring updates:

#mike #elko

Texas A&M's season opener vs. Missouri State kicks off on Saturday night, and after a productive preseason, coach Mike Elko, entering Year 3 at the helm after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff last season, is confident that his revamped roster is ready for battle, facing the new nine-game SEC schedule that features road tests vs. LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.
Last week, Mike Elko's first in-season press conference revealed that a pair of redshirt freshmen will miss the season due to injury: running back Tiger Riden and defensive tackle Chace Sims were set to compete for reserve roles but will now have to wait until the 2027 offseason to compete for rotational roles.
Combined with former five-star wide receiver Jerome Myles and former four-star OL Nelson McGuire departing the program for unknown reasons, Elko's various media appearances on Wednesday did not include any new injury updates, which is obviously great news for the Aggies, who will heavily rely on their depth at every position to get through the nine-game conference schedule.
Most importantly, senior linebacker Daymion Sanford is on track to make his debut after suffering a lower-body injury to his fibula during the Maroon & White Game, as Elko stated that Sanford remains a "game-time decision" but is on track to play vs. Missouri State.
"Right now, yes. Probably still a little bit of a game-time decision. To ask me right now, I anticipate him being out there," Elko told TexAgs about Sanford on Monday.

#injury

COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko believes his team is good enough to compete. He knows the Aggies have to the talent to win football games.
But ahead of Saturday's 6 p.m. season opener at Kyle Field against Missouri State, Elko reiterated that the 2026 Texas A&M team has proven nothing yet on the field.
"Finally, we get to stop talking," Elko said during his Monday news conference. "Finally, we get to stop talking about what things can be, what things can be about and we get to run out of the tunnel and go play somebody else. It's beyond past the time to go do that."
Expectations are high for the Aggies in Elko's third season with a preseason ranking of No. 8 and coming off their best season in more than a decade. Last year's team, despite losing its last two games to Texas and then Miami in the College Football Playoff, won 11 games for only the third time in three decades.
ALSO: Mike Elko's challenge? To keep Aggies among college football's best.

#finally

Texas A&M will kick off the 2026 season against Missouri State on Saturday night, as coach Mike Elko's third year at the helm is expected to be his toughest, largely because of the new nine-game SEC schedule that includes road tests against LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma. However, after making the College Football Playoff last season, doubting the Aggies is a pointless exercise.
Through 16 preseason practices, Elko's revamped roster is one of the deepest in the SEC, even after 15 starters, including a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, departed this offseason.
However, among the 17 transfer portal additions, combined with the 2026 signing class, Elko is confident that several positions have been upgraded, while redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed has seemingly taken the next step, based on what we witnessed during fall camp.
To avoid repeating the same information about Texas A&M's roster, the start of the 2026 season means looking ahead to SEC play after the Aggies face Missouri State and Arizona State in Kyle Field, needing to get off to a hot start before facing the brutal second half of the schedule.
According to ESPN's updated FPI predictions for all 12 of the Aggies' regular season games, Texas A&M is predicted to finish 9-3, matching my Aggies Wire contributors Jarrett Johnson and Dylan Flippo, who feel a 9-3 finish is more realistic. Ahead of Saturday's season opener, here are the updated FPI predictions for Texas A&M's 2026 season.

#aggies #however

Playing "winning football" sounds vague on the surface, and heading into Mike Elko's third season at the helm, it's clear that the program is in the right direction, but back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff were the antithesis of what we saw throughout the 2025 season.
This starts and ends with redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who threw four of his career-high twelve interceptions in both losses while seemingly playing with less confidence compared to his past performances, resulting in poor decision-making; former OC Collin Klein's decision to use fewer RPO looks and keep Reed in the pocket also deserves some blame.
Under first-year offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, the expectation is that Marcel Reed will return to utilizing his dual-threat skill set more often, getting outside the pocket, especially on play action where he has thrived since becoming the full-time starter. Equipped with one of the best wide receiver rooms in the country, Reed's improvement this preseason should lead to another jump in consistent play.
However, the defense allowed nearly 400 rushing yards against Texas and Miami last season, a huge contributing factor in both losses that wasn't based on personnel, aside from a lack of size at linebacker, which has been addressed this offseason.
During Thursday's press conference, Mike Elko said taking another step toward making "winning plays" in key moments has been a clear focus, starting with finishing strong every practice, while his team's mental makeup will be tested throughout the nine-game SEC schedule.

#reed #losses #mike #Miami

One of Texas A&M coach Mike Elko's main objectives this offseason was finding a replacement for unanimous All-American Edge Cashius Howell, who finished his final season in College Station on the highest of highs, leading the SEC in sacks (11.5) combined with 41 pressures, while is short arms were the only reason he was selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, going early in Round 2 to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Before utilizing the transfer portal, Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill knew that rising sophomore Edge Marco Jones was on track to replace most of Howell's snaps in 2026, but in order for the former blue-chip prospect to reach his full potential, landing a proven Edge from the portal with the size, length, and pass-rush potential was the goal.
Thanks to Mike Elko's development track record after six defensive linemen were selected in the last two drafts, Northwestern transfer Edge Anto Saka chose the Aggies over several blue-blood programs, as the two-time selection on Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks List," standing 6'4" and 255 pounds, and is slated to start as Mike Elko's big defensive end this season.
After 16 preseason practices, an anonymous source described Saka as a "grown man" expected to add "another layer to the Aggies' pass rush," while his background as a reliable run defender is equally important given A&M's run defense issues late last season.
On Thursday, Mike Elko continued to praise Saka's professionalism and work ethic, which, combined with senior defensive end T.J. Searcy, is slated to pick up where Cashius Howell left off this fall.

#aggies

Texas A&M's 2028 recruiting class will take center stage this fall, as five-star quarterback Donald Tabron and four-star Edge Chance Archangel are currently the program's lone commitments heading into the 2026 season, but this is just the start for coach Mike Elko and his staff, who are set to host a growing list of blue-chip prospects in the cycle during all seven of the Aggies' home games.
Among that growing list is five-star defensive lineman Kellan Hall, who recently placed Texas A&M on his Top 12 program list and has released his unofficial visit list for the fall. He will reportedly make his way to College Station on Oct. 3 and will attend Texas A&M vs. Arkansas in Kyle Field, joining several elite 2028 recruits, including five-star safety Casey Barner.
Earlier this summer, Hall spoke to On3/Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman, raving about his first visit to College Station while providing an early preview of his unofficial visit plans with the Aggies and detailing his strong relationship with Texas A&M defensive line coaches Elijah Robinson and Tony Jerod-Eddie.
"I was on campus for a few days, so really got the chance to talk to quite a few players and other recruits. However, the highlight was the camp and working with Coach E. Rob, Coach Tony, and Coach Malik. I really like how they are intentional about giving guys work during practice and every player has a coach working with them. I saw this during camp and at practice the day I arrived."
Under Mike Elko, a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including unanimous All-American Edge Cashius Howell and defensive tackles Albert Regis and Tyler Onyedim, who were off the board in the second and third rounds, further proving that Texas A&M has become one of the top destinations for young defensive linemen and pass rushers.

#star #five

Texas A&M's 2026 running back room took a hit on Thursday afternoon after coach Mike Elko revealed that redshirt freshman Tiger Riden Jr. will miss the regular season with an undisclosed injury, which was a surprise to all of us in the media, who recently saw the second-year back perform well this preseason, and was in line to win the No. 3 running back job behind Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow.
To avoid leaks, Elko and nearly every college football head coach keep injuries close to the vest weeks before the start of the regular season, but given the state of the running back room, Elko praised Rueben Owens' improvement this offseason, who is in line to earn the starting job, while many, including myself, believe that this will be a running back by committee approach, given Jamarion Morrow's rise as one of the best athletes on the roster.
Still, Owen's contact balance issues have apparently, based on what we've seen/heard, been solved, giving the former five-star commit a clear edge to begin the season as the starter.
"What you have now is a healthy, mature version of him that is physically ready to take on the rigors of the SEC."
"We're excited for him to be able to go out and finally put out his absolute best, healthiest foot forward into a new season."

#back #coach

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is just eight days away, as the Aggies will begin in-season practice on Friday, completely focused on the task ahead after 16 preseason practices over the past three weeks. Overall, every position group had their moments, while redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed has improved every facet of his game, especially his accuracy, touch, and pocket presence.
Aided by one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, Reed's improvement is based on eye witness accounts from every local beat writer and Texas A&M media member, while an anonymous source, who spoke with On3 insider Pete Nakos, confirmed that Reed has indeed taken the next step in his development, echoing coach Mike Elko's statement earlier this month.
You don't have to take it from me, but thanks to the Texas A&M media team for releasing several videos that featured Marcel Reed connecting with Isaiah Horton and star junior Mario Craver for 50-plus-yard passes with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing his poise in the pocket and improved footwork, which, if the revamped offensive line holds up, the sky is the limit for Texas A&M's passing game.
"Marcel is more accurate, has more of a presence and has another year of playing football for Mike Elko," a source stated to On3.
Texas A&M's loaded wide receiver corps also features former five-star prospect Terry Bussey, who Aggie fans have been waiting for to break out after two seasons, and through nearly every preseason practice, the 2026 season could be the year Bussey finally reaches his potential, with the same source agreeing.

#texas #reed #isaiah #bussey

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said the SEC's ruling earlier this week about whether athletes who signed pro contracts can play in the conference says a lot about the state of the college sports landscape in 2026.
"It's a statement about where we are from a governance standpoint that we are having conversations about what the rules are going to be regarding roster management on August 27th," Elko said during a Thursday press conference. "There's games tonight, there's games Saturday, and we're not even really sure what the rules are around who can play on our teams this fall."
BOHLS: SEC sends unmistakable message about pros returning to college
The SEC announced earlier this week that any players who declared for the NFL draft and didn't withdraw, signed an NFL contract or was listed on an NFL roster aren't allowed to play for one of its teams. The conference also included men's and women's basketball players until the policy as well.
The Big Ten has also announced a similar ruling.

#week #college

After months of anticipation and growing excitement for the return of college football in Bryan-College Station, the Texas A&M Aggies are set to host Missouri State for the season opener in just 12 days.
The 12th Man are buzzing for the upcoming kickoff against the Bears, as Aggieland gets to lay their eyes on what Mike Elko's 2026 squad will bring to the gridiron, after reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season.
To begin the campaign on another historic start, the Aggies must take it one game at a time. That begins with the Bears, who bring a new-look offense to Kyle Field next weekend, including a fifth-year quarterback and a veteran offensive coordinator.
We start the 12 days of 12 opponents with a preview of Missouri State and what you should watch for in Texas A&M's Week 1 matchup in College Station:
Coordinator: Jack Curtis

#station #texas #season

Texas A&M's 14th preseason practice was the final time those of us in the media were allowed to watch the Aggies in a live setting before the 2026 season opener, which is less than two weeks away, as third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff are close to solidifying the final depth chart before hosting Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
While the Aggies' secondary and wide receiver rotation are by far the deepest units on the roster, Texas A&M's tight end room, which, on paper, is led by senior Micah Riley, one of the program's five team captains, replacing Nate Boerkircher, who led the room in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, will be tough to replace as a blocker and receiver.
Still, Riley is highly dependable as a blocker and should take a step as a receiver in the short and intermediate passing game, but given the depth and NFL talent at wide receiver, the 2026 tight end doesn't need to light up the scoreboard, but outside of Micah Riley, redshirt freshman TE Kiotti Armstrong continues to be a name to watch given his 6'5", 285-pound frame and improved receiving skills.
During Saturday's 14th practice, Texas A&M's media team released several videos from the scrimmage, including Kiotti Armstrong's impressive catch in traffic, off a perfectly thrown deep ball from starting quarterback Marcel Reed. Again, this, like most clips, is a small sample size, but intriguing nonetheless.
Similar to LSU tight end Trey'Dez Green, if Armstrong can become a serviceable receiver and improve as an inline blocker, Texas A&M's 2026 passing attack will be nearly impossible to slow down, especially if new OC Holmon Wiggins utilizes Marcel Reed's dual-threat skill set, combined with the new offensive line gelling early in the year.

#riley #micah #kiotti #armstrong

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener is just a mere two weeks away, as the Aggies will open the new campaign against Missouri State in Kyle Field, officially kicking off coach Mike Elko's third season at the helm. While it would take several articles to accurately recap A&M's previous 13 practices, including last Saturday's scrimmage, this Saturday's final media-viewing practice was certainly the most informative.
Instead of giving away most of what we saw on Saturday, it's always important to start from the beginning: After making the College Football Playoff for the first time last season, Mike Elko's offseason premonition that "10 to 12" players would be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft came true, as a record 10 starters were picked, including star wide receiver KC Concepcion going 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns.
Elko's premonition helped prepare for the offseason departures, as 65% of the 2025 roster returns, combined with 17 transfer portal additions and nearly 30 freshmen from the 2026 signing class. While losing 15 starters on both sides of the ball certainly looks like a rebuild, that is far from the case.
With key starters returning at every position, led by redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, junior wide receiver Mario Craver, safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe, and linebacker Daymion Sanford, four of five team captains will be counted on to lead on the field and in the locker room.
On Saturday, all five players and several others stood out for the final time before the season opener, while a couple of position battles may have been decided as well. Here are three key takeaways from Texas A&M's practice on Saturday.

#texas #mike #opener

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, is just two weeks away, and after a dozen preseason practices, third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff, now including first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and DC Lyle Hemphill, should feel pretty confident that the revamped 2026 roster is ready for the new season, especially redshirt quarterback Marcel Reed.
The Aggies' new nine-game SEC schedule, which includes five brutal road matchups vs. LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, will more than likely determine if Mike Elko can lead his team back to the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season after losing to eventual national runner-up Miami in the first round.
Texas A&M could enter the Week 8 road battle vs. Alabama in Tuscaloosa at 6-1 or 7-0 based on the Aggies' favorability in earlier matchups, while Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season, holds a slight advantage under center, but on Saturday, Alabama's starting quarterback battle came to a close, as former five-star and redshirt sophomore QB Keelon Russell has reportedly won the job.
On paper, this could be a low-scoring game given both teams' deep secondaries, which can prevent explosive passing plays, and the pressure on Reed and Russell to make efficient throws and move the chains, and based on Alabama's early schedule vs. East Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Georgia, and Tennessee, will Keelon Russell still be the starter by then?
My guess? Yes, based on his high NFL upside and ability to make plays with his legs, providing Coach Kalen DeBoer with the most complete quarterback he's had since arriving in Tuscaloosa.

#missouri

Texas A&M's 2028 recruiting class will take center stage this fall as the Aggies' 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State will be the first chance for coach Mike Elko and his staff to host a growing list of 2028 prospects, and after landing a commitment from five-star quarterback Donald Tabron II, the Aggies are on track to land several blue-chip playmakers, while their earley relationship with five-star DL Kellan Hall is beginning to pay off.
On Friday, Kellan Hall placed the Aggies on his Top 12 program list, joining Oklahoma, Kentucky, Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Miami, LSU, Notre Dame, Texas, and the Oregon Ducks, who all have a legitimate shot at landing the blue-chip defender, while the Aggies may hold the upper hand given Hall's strong relationship with defensive line coaches Elijah Robinson and Tony Jerod-Eddie.
Back in early June, Hall spoke to On3/Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman, raving about his first visit to College Station, while stating that the Aggies are expected to receive another unofficial visit during one of the program's seven home games in Kyle Field during the 2026 season.
"I was on campus for a few days, so really got the chance to talk to quite a few players and other recruits. However, the highlight was the camp and working with Coach E. Rob, Coach Tony, and Coach Malik. I really like how they are intentional about giving guys work during practice and every player has a coach working with them. I saw this during camp and at practice the day I arrived."
Further stating that he will "definitely be back" for a visit, citing Texas A&M's success in landing and developing top-ranked defensive linemen from the high school ranks and the transfer portal, especially after unanimous All-American Edge Cashius Howell and defensive tackles Albert Regis and Tyler Onyedim were selected in the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

#defensive #visit #tony

Through a dozen preseason practices, Texas A&M's loaded wide receiver rotation is one of the team's biggest strengths heading into the 2026 season, even after losing KC Concepcion to the NFL, who led the Aggies with 919 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Now led by star junior Mario Craver, fellow junior and former five-star prospect Terry Bussey has shined during fall camp and could be headed toward a career year.
After the Aggies' closed practice on Friday, Bussey, for the first time during fall camp, spoke to the local media in attendance, discussing his weight gain, adding a solid 10 pounds, mostly muscle, to his frame, which was necessary given his injury history that kept in him behind the 8 ball after suffering an ankle injury this spring, and was beat up for most of the 2025 season.
Bussey's play during several preseason practices has provided Aggie fans and those of us in the media with a highlight reel of one-handed catches, while his route running has been crisp and equally impressive, and coach Mike Elko and first-year OC Holmon Wiggins, who served as A&M's wide receivers coach over the past two seasons, have consistently praised Bussey's football IQ.
Bussey's elite versatility provided Mike Elko the option for him to play at corner or wide receiver, and given the former blue-chip prospect's size and natural playmaking ability, playing receiver was the best route. Right now, Bussey is contending for the starting Z receiver job with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, but is expected to be a significant part of each offensive game plan no matter his starting or reserve status.
Bussey spoke for nearly eight minutes, looking more confident than ever, while praising several of his wide receiver cohorts who continue to build chemistry with quarterback Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season.

#receiver

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is just two weeks away, and third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff should be excited about the progress the 2026 roster has made, especially quarterback Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last fall.
While the season at hand is the focus, Elko will also utilize all seven home games in Kyle Field to host a long list of 2028 prospects, including five-star quarterback Donald Tabron II, who committed to the Aggies last weekend. On Thursday, it was confirmed by Rivals that one of the Aggies' priority 2028 prospects, four-star safety James Foster III, has set his visit date with the Aggies.
Ranked as the No. 2 safety in the 2028 cycle, Foster has likely followed Texas A&M's recruiting success at the position after Elko landed commitments from 2027 five-star safety Kamarui Dorsey and four-star JayQuan Snell, both considered immediate impact players with high NFL upside.
James Foster will reportedly make his way to College Station and attend Texas A&M vs. Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 19, before visiting SMU, LSU, and Alabama over the next three weeks. This provides Elko and his staff the opportunity to make significant progress with the blue-chip defender, even though the Texas Longhorns are currently trending in the right direction.
According to Rivals, Foster is currently positioned as the 41st-ranked prospect, 3rd-ranked safety, and 3rd-ranked prospect in Texas.

#ranked #season #rivals

Through 11 preseason practices, it's safe to say that Texas A&M's chances of making it back to the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive season will hinge on redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed taking the vaunted "next step" after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during his first full starting season.
Before a record 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, third-year coach Mike Elko made several staff changes, led by the promotion of WR coach Holmon Wiggins to offensive coordinator and key ***** istant Lyle Hemphill replacing Jay Bateman as A&M's new defensive coordinator.
After losing 15 starters and 20-plus players overall, Elko landed 17 transfer portal commitments, combined with the 2026 signing class, all while retaining 65% of the 2025 roster. Among the newcomers, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka, Colorado transfer DB Tawfiq Byard, and former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson are all expected to make an immediate impact.
Junior wide receiver Mario Craver, senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks, senior center Mark Nabou, and junior wide receiver Terry Bussey were the only Aggies selected to the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Teams. Craver, who reeled in a career-high 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, is the lone first-team selection at wide receiver and all-purpose player.
Mario Craver — First Team WR, AP

#receiver

Texas A&M's 2026 season-opener vs. Missouri State is less than three weeks away, and entering his third sesaon at the helm, coach Mike Elko should be encouraged by what he's witnessed from the redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who has improved accuracy, especially on the deep ball, which was on full display during Saturday's scrimmage after hitting Alabama transfer wideout Isaiah Horton in stride on a 30-plus yard throw.
The only thing preventing Marcel Reed, in my opinion, from matching his 2025 production is whether the revamped offensive line, featuring four new starters, gels early in the year. This group will feature returning starting center Mark Nabou, four new SEC transfers, and several rising offensive linemen from the 2025 signing class.
Again, if this group at least becomes an above-average pass-blocking unit, Marcel Reed will be passing to what is nationally considered one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4", while Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and freshman Aaron Gregory fill out the rotation.
Last season, Reed passed for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while 8 of his 12 interceptions came against top-35-ranked defenses, which has been the focus this offseason, working with new OC Holmon Wiggins and QB coach Joey Lynch. Entering the 2026 season with a solid 77.9 QBR, On3 ranks Reed 9th nationally.
"Reed was tremendous in leading Texas A&M to an 11-0 start last season. Then, he was fairly pedestrian — and that might be generous — in the team's two losses to Texas and Miami to close out the 2025 campaign. Decision-making in big moments is the real key for Reed. He needs to avoid costly turnovers in big games. But in terms of raw skill, he's got as much as anyone in the country. And he's probably aptly motivated after the way 2025 ended."

#entering

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is less than three weeks away, and after the Aggies' ninth preseason practice, which included the program's first closed scrimmage on Saturday, everything is seemingly coming together for third-year coach Mike Elko and his revamped 2026 roster.
Whether it be redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, nearly every wide receiver on the roster, or Northwestern transfer Edge Anto Saka, the Aggies have made significant progress over the last two weeks, and after Saturday's scrimmage, which included one of Reed's more impressive deep ***** to Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, the offense is gaining more steam ahead of the season opener.
Still, plenty of questions remain, and SEC ***** yst Chris Marler released his own three "burning questions" for Texas A&M, centered around the program's four new starters along the offensive line, new OC Holmon Wiggins' lack of play-calling experience, and, for comical relief, Marler hating on A&M's new alternative uniforms that were revealed on Friday.
After adding four SEC starting offensive linemen from the transfer portal, OL coach Adam Cushing's development background should be trusted, as four 2025 starters were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, while former South Carolina guard Trovon Baugh and Alabama transfer Wilkin Formby have stood out this preseason.
Ignoring Marler's alternative jersey critique, he does have a point regarding A&M's offense, which finished top 5 in the SEC in yards per game and per play, while Wiggins, who served as Collin Klein's co-OC over the last two seasons, is expected to utilize Marcel Reed's dual-threat skill set and roll the veteran QB out much more in RPO and play-action looks.

#play #marcel #wiggins

On Saturday, Texas A&M landed its second commitment in the 2028 recruiting class as five-star quarterback Donald Tabron II chose the Aggies over LSU and Oregon, as expected based on his recent interviews and strong relationships with the coaching staff, especially coach Mike Elko and QB coach Joey Lynch.
Entering his junior season at Cass Technical in Detroit, Tabron led his squad to a 13-1 record last season, as the 6-foot-4, 190-pounder threw for 2,819 yards and 35 touchdowns. During his young career, totaling 24 appearances, he has thrown for 4,475 yards and 52 touchdowns.
Extremely productive, Tabron's accuracy, quick release, and impressive arm strength provide a blueprint for Elko and his staff, who will look to lock down the blue-chip signal-caller this time next year, but will gladly take his commitment as a sign that even if LSU and Oregon continue their pursuit, Texas A&M will remain his next home.
Just hours after committing to the Aggies, Tabron spoke to 247Sports insider Tom Loy, and, following the trend of several 2027 commits, including five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews, Tabron stated, "Elko era, Gig 'em," when discussing his decision, noting the culture Mike Elko is building, while naming several fellow 2028 prospects that he would like to see the Aggies pursue.
On paper, Tabron looks like the future starting quarterback if he continues on the same path, and looks like a perfect fit under new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins. Here is the entire interview with 247Sports' Tom Loy.

#like #five

Texas A&M's ninth preseason practice may not have been open to the media, but thanks to the Aggie media team, one of redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed's best throws of the day was captured, providing media members and Aggie fans alike another glimpse into Reed's improvement as a pocket passer, delivering strike after strike since fall camp began.
The Aggies' offensive line will replace four starters at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle. Third-year coach Mike Elko landed four SEC starters from the transfer portal, who are all expected to start at this point in the preseason, but nothing is set in stone. If this group comes through, Reed is expected to, yes, take the next step, especially with the addition of Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton.
Standing 6'4" and 215 pounds, Horton's size and ability to stretch the field and make contested catches fill the hole that plagued the Aggies last season, despite transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver's elite speed, which led to a combined total of nearly 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns.
While Concepcion is already the Cleveland Browns' No. 1 wide receiver after being selected 24th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mario Craver is back for a final season and, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey, who have also shined, especially Bussey, this preseason, Marcel Reed and Isaiah Horton's connection was on full display during Saturday's first scrimmage.
In tight coverage against freshman cornerback Victor Singleton, Horton made a contested catch off a perfectly thrown ball from Marcel Reed, an area the veteran QB struggled last season. With the 2026 season-opener just three weeks away, this connection could take the Aggie passing game to the next level under first-year OC Holmon Wiggins.

#preseason #aggies