Texas A&M’s 2025 season is critical for several reasons, starting with head coach Mike Elko needing to rebound from the collapse that occurred during the 2024 campaign. After the Aggies started 7-1, they ended 8-5 with two consecutive losses to Texas and USC in the Las Vegas Bowl.
However, redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed is under more pressure than any player on the 2025 roster, earning the starting spot after Conner Weigman transferred to Houston this offseason. Still, Reed deserves grace after being thrown into the fire amid the QB turnover, while he was not working with the best options at wide receiver, and the loss of star running back Le’Veon Moss completely destroyed any offensive momentum down the stretch.
With a full offseason of work, the transfer portal additions of wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, and the return of Terry Bussey, are expected to be a huge upgrade due to the added speed, quickness, and ability to separate in coverage.
With the return of all five starting offensive linemen, Texas A&M’s loaded running back room, aided by Le’Veon Moss, Reuben Owens, Amari Daniels, and EJ Emith, has all the makings of being one of the best units in the SEC.
Defensively, Mike Elko will take over as the program’s defensive play caller, which should improve the pass rush and play, and tighten things up in the secondary. Early in the offseason, Elko added James Madison defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill to the staff, primarily due to his background as a defensive backs coach and past relationship with Elko during his time leading the Duke Blue Devils.
Up front, Texas A&M lacked interior defensive line depth, but loaded up at edge through the portal. The names to know are senior edge Cashius Howell and defensive tackles Albert Regis, DJ Hicks, and former Iowa State standout Tyler Odyedim. Texas A&M’s pass rush should be solid with added depth, but the run defense will be something to watch early in the year.
Last week, Pro Football Focus released its College Football Power Rankings, placing the Aggies at No. 21, based on six metrics that the site believes accurately assess how good each team will be based on returning talent. Here is where the Aggies rank in all six categories:
Texas A&M is being undervalued in the preseason, which is probably a good thing for the team’s mentality heading into the season opener vs. UTSA on Saturday, August 31.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Where is Texas A&M ranked in Pro Football Focus’s College Football Power Rankings?
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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