After successful outings against the UTSA Roadrunners in the season opener, three Texas A&M stars are primed for breakout performances against Utah State in Week 2.
Head coach Mike Elko hauled in the No. 16 transfer portal class during the offseason, which quickly registered on the gridiron with a showcase of the newly acquired talent in the Maroon and White in the season-opening 42-24 victory. Players like KC Concepcion (NC State), Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and Julio Humphrey (Georgia) proved they belong in the Aggies’ starting rotation for this year’s campaign.
As one leads, the others follow. That testament could be the key to success for the program in 2025, as the roster is split between experienced veterans with a chip on their shoulder from the disappointing finish to 2024 and newcomers eager to make the most of their opportunities in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Elko and company secured the school’s first eight-win season since 2021 in his first year at the helm, but there are bigger aspirations in sight for the Aggies during this year’s ventures.
To achieve those goals and compete at the top of the stacked Southeastern Conference, playmakers like Concepcion, Craver and Humphrey will play integral roles in capitalizing on Utah State’s reformed roster, which features a total of 87 new players in 2025.
Here is how the Aggie stars can shine again in Week 2 and what it will take for each to have another massive outing on Saturday:
1. KC Concepcion (WR)
The former ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year flashed his potential to become one of the top wide receivers in the country this season with an outstanding Week 1 performance against the Roadrunners. Concepcion hauled in three receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown, while also returning a punt 80 yards for a score on special teams.
Needless to say, he left an incredible first impression in his first contest donning the Maroon and White uniform. Facing a defensive unit that ranked 129th in total defense last season, Concepcion should have a monster game in his second contest at Kyle Field.
2. Mario Craver (WR)
Much of the same can be said for Craver, who transferred from Mississippi State during the offseason. The sophomore wideout from Birmingham, Alabama, led the Aggies with 122 receiving yards on eight receptions and two touchdowns against UTSA, which was suitable for the program record in a wide receiver’s Texas A&M debut.
His electric speed and impressive route-running ability made him incredibly difficult to stop, which led to massive connections from sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed to Craver in his first contest as an Aggie. Concepcion and Craver could rack up the statistics against one of the worst defenses in college football in Week 2.
3. Julio Humphrey (CB)
While Texas A&M found much success in the passing attack in Week 1, the Aggie secondary displayed drastic improvement from last year’s unit. Humphrey contributed three tackles (two solo tackles) to the squad’s total against a notoriously explosive UTSA offense.
With his third season of collegiate football underway, Humphrey’s experience will add depth to the Aggie defense as a whole, especially when Texas A&M travels to face Notre Dame next week. Utah State barely squeaked by UTEP, so this could be the perfect opportunity for Humphrey to produce for Jay Bateman’s defensive unit and haul in his first-career interception.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Which three Texas A&M players will contribute most in Week 2?
Reporting by Dylan Flippo, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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