Will the Texas A&M Aggies Take the Next Step Toward Playoff Contention?

Will the Texas A&M Aggies take that next step and become a playoff contender this year? If their offense has anything to say about it, the answer could be a resounding yes! The defense, on the other hand, needs to find another level—or this team might end up on the outside looking in once again. With seven returning starters on offense and eight on defense, this could be a special season in Aggieland.

This Texas A&M Aggie offense led the SEC in scoring, averaging over 29 points per game and topping 30 points in five of their eight SEC matchups. The offense was not the problem—especially after Marcel Reed became the full-time quarterback. The dual-threat QB gave the team a much-needed spark.

This offensive line might be as good as any in the nation. The unit returns intact from last season, led by tackle Trey Zuhn, who may be the best at his position in the conference. Guards Ar’maj Reed-Adams and Chase Bisontis are among the SEC’s elite, and what makes this line even more dangerous is the return of center Mark Nabou, who missed last season with an ACL injury. This year’s O-line is deeper and stronger than last year’s already-impressive group.

At running back, the Aggies were forced to rely on a committee last season. But this year, Le’Veon Moss is 100% healthy after amassing 765 yards and averaging over six yards per carry—despite missing five games. This offense is operating at a national championship level.

The defense, however, held the Aggies back from being a truly special team—most notably ranking 13th in the SEC against the pass, which is simply unacceptable. Head coach Mike Elko has vowed to take over defensive play-calling duties himself. Whether eight returning starters can better execute Elko’s scheme is a major question.

The pass rush also left much to be desired. Defensive end Cashius Howell led the team with 4.5 sacks, but no other player reached three. Run defense was another weak spot; Texas A&M ranked dead last in the SEC, allowing 19 runs of 20+ yards in conference play.

There are some bright spots. Will Lee was an All-SEC cornerback last season, and he’ll now be joined by Georgia transfer Julian Humphrey and Washington transfer Jordan Shaw. With Elko’s background as a defensive coordinator, he understands that if the Aggies are going to reach the next level, his defense must improve.

Texas A&M games could be must-watch this year. Marcel Reed, playing a full season, appears to have all the tools and weapons to keep the offense rolling. The big question is the defense—can it improve enough to turn an eight-win team into a ten-win contender?

The Aggies face an early road test against Notre Dame in Week 3. In SEC play, they host Florida and travel to LSU in key “prove-it” games, finishing the season at always-tough Texas. The bottom line: if the defense takes a meaningful step forward, this team could be special. With an explosive offense in place, even a decent defense might be enough to make Texas A&M a serious playoff threat.