With fall camp just around the corner for the Texas A&M football program, a pair of Southeastern Conference analysts previewed the 2025 season expectations for the Aggies.
Michael Bratton, otherwise known on social media as SEC Mike, shared optimism for the program’s College Football Playoff hopes this year alongside co-host Cousin Shane. According to the duo’s breakdown on “That SEC Podcast”, second-year coach Mike Elko could bring Texas A&M back to the apex of the conference if it can stay healthy.
With the No. 10 strength of schedule in the country, the Aggies should be a lock for the playoff if they can find a way to achieve the program’s first 10-win season since the Johnny Manziel era in 2012. According to college football analyst Kelley Ford, Elko and company have a 60% chance or better to win nine games this season, even given the difficult schedule.
In Elko’s first year at the helm, he led his team to an 8-5 record (5-3 in SEC play) with wins over Missouri, LSU, Florida, Arkansas and Mississippi State in his first season as a coach in the conference. While the finish to the season left much to be desired, there were some impressive moments that provided glimpses of hope for Aggie fans heading into 2025.
“There was some big wins. I mean, I picked against them against Mizzou, I think I picked them against Florida and obviously LSU,” Shane said. “There were some games I really didn’t think Elko was going to get, so I think overall, when you’re looking big picture, you’re OK as an Aggie fan.”
One of the biggest factors in the overall success of the program this season will be the Texas A&M running back room that features Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels and Reuben Owens II. The health of the group and the ability to set up big plays downfield with a dominant rushing attack are something the Aggies will need to find again this season.
“If I’m an A&M fan, that’s why I’m so excited because that’s our bread and butter is running the football. When we were 7-1, we were dominant on the ground. If we can get back to that, this is going to be one heck of a year,” Bratton said.
According to On3 Sports and 247Sports, Texas A&M hauled in the No. 11 portal class in the country this offseason, featuring NC State standout wide receiver KC Concepcion and Washington Huskies defensive back Jordan Shaw among others.
When previewing the Aggies’ schedule this season, Bratton and Shane predicted eight victories and four toss-up games. Florida at home and on the road against Notre Dame, LSU and Texas fell in the toss-up category, but Shane rebutted Bratton’s thoughts on the game against the Gators in College Station.
“This is a sweet little schedule. We’re so quick to talk about Mizzou, Tennessee and Ole Miss, but A&M has a pretty easy (schedule),” Shane said. “It’s not easy because nothing’s easy when you have SEC teams on your schedule, but as of right now, I’m really liking this schedule.”
If everything continues to trend in the right direction for the Aggies as the program transitions into fall camp, Texas A&M could be a dark horse to reach this year’s playoff.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: SEC football analysts share optimism about Texas A&M’s odds to reach 2025 CFP
Reporting by Dylan Flippo, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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