By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Texas A&M has the money, facilities, recruiting base, and fan support to be a national power.

Now it is time to match the resources with results. For all its advantages, the program has just one double digit win season since 1998, and while Mike Elko’s first year brought progress, it also showed how far the Aggies still have to go to reach their ceiling.

Elko, entering his second season, steadied the ship with an 8-5 campaign in 2024, the program’s best in three years, but November defensive breakdowns and a frustrating bowl collapse against USC left a bitter aftertaste.

A&M even had a shot to play for the SEC title before an anemic offensive showing against Texas spoiled the chance.

The good news is that the roster is loaded, the schedule is manageable with no Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, or Ole Miss, and Elko has made key portal additions to fill important holes.

With Collin Klein coordinating the offense and Elko taking back defensive play calling, the Aggies believe they are positioned to break out of the eight-win rut.

Quarterback Marcel Reed, who emerged as a dual threat leader last year, is back after throwing for 1,864 yards, rushing for 543, and keeping turnovers in check. He is now the unquestioned starter.

Reed has great weapons at his disposal. The Aggies hit the transfer portal hard at receiver, landing KC Concepcion from NC State, one of the top wideouts in the country with 124 catches, nearly 1,300 yards, and 16 touchdowns in his first two seasons, and Mario Craver from Mississippi State, a dangerous deep threat.

These additions help form a versatile, speed driven group. At tight end, Texas transfer Amari Niblack and junior Theo Melin Ohrstrom will share duties.

The offensive line could be one of the SEC’s best. All five starters return, led by All SEC caliber tackle Trey Zuhn III, guard Chase Bisontis, and 330 pound mauler Ar’maj Reed Adams. Center Mark Nabou Jr., who missed most of last year with a torn ACL, should reclaim his starting role if healthy.

In the backfield, the Aggies expect the return of star running back Le’Veon Moss, who had 765 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games before injury.

Last year’s offense quietly led the SEC in scoring in conference play at 29.4 points per game. With Reed’s growth, the added speed at receiver, and a healthy backfield, that number could climb in 2025.

If A&M is going to jump from good to great, defensive improvement is essential. The Aggies gave up 44 points to South Carolina, 43 to Auburn, and 35 to USC late last year, with missed tackles and busted coverages becoming a recurring problem.

Up front, replacing departed pass rushers Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton is priority one.

Cashius Howell, who led the team with four sacks, returns, with Florida transfer TJ Searcy and Rutgers transfer Damon Hayes vying for big roles.

The interior is anchored by veteran Albert Regis, alongside Tyler Onyedim from Iowa State and promising sophomore DJ Hicks.

The linebackers are a strength. Taurean York led the team with 82 tackles, while Scooby Williams is a rangy, physical presence when healthy.

The secondary, hit by injuries last year, should rebound.

All-SEC corner Will Lee III is back, and nickelback Tyreek Chappell returns after missing most of 2024.

Transfers Julian Humphrey from Georgia and Jordan Shaw from Washington bolster coverage options.

Safeties Dalton Brooks and Bryce Anderson bring experience, though the unit must cut down on giving up explosive runs and deep completions.

Texas A&M has averaged eight wins per year since joining the SEC, and that has become the defining plateau.

With an established quarterback, one of the league’s best offensive lines, upgraded speed at the skill positions, and Elko’s renewed hands on role with the defense, the 2025 Aggies have the look of a team ready to break through.

The path is there. The question is whether A&M finally takes it.