Texas A&M Aggies

Junior quarterback Marcel Reed returns after throwing for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 493 rushing yards and six scores on the ground in 2025. However, his 12 interceptions and uneven play in the final two losses to Texas and Miami have put his consistency under the microscope. New offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins and quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch are focused on cutting down the mistakes and helping Reed deliver in the biggest moments. If Reed takes the next step, the Aggies have the weapons to be a top-tier offense; if he struggles, the ceiling drops significantly.

The Aggies lost four starters up front and return only center Mark Nabou Jr. from last year's line. To fill the gaps, the staff brought in four transfers with SEC starting experience, including tackles Wilkin Formby from Alabama and Tyree Adams from LSU. The line's ability to gel quickly will be critical for both Reed's protection and the running game, which features leading rusher Rueben Owens II. If the new unit can provide stability, the offense should have time to exploit its deep receiving corps.

All-SEC receiver Mario Craver returns after racking up 917 receiving yards in 2025, and Ashton Bethel-Roman emerged in the second half of last season. The key addition is Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, a 6-foot-4 target who can win contested catches and give Reed a reliable option on 50-50 balls. With Craver's speed and Horton's size, the Aggies have the pieces to stretch defenses vertically, but they need consistent quarterback play to make it all work.

The defensive backfield returns proven playmakers in safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks and cornerback Dezz Ricks. Last season, the Aggies ranked third in the SEC in passing defense, but they managed only three interceptions all year, a number that has to rise. The pass rush was elite in 2025, finishing fourth nationally in sacks, but SEC Defensive Player of the Year Cashius Howell is gone. Sophomore Marco Jones and transfer Anto Saka are expected to fill that void, while Tulsa transfer Ray Coney, who finished 10th nationally in tackles, should help shore up the run defense.

Illinois transfer David Olano brings an 86% career field goal success rate, which should fix a kicking game that was erratic last season. The return game also has potential with Mario Craver on punts and Terry Bussey on kickoffs. Head coach Mike Elko has won 19 games in his first two seasons in College Station, but the program hasn't posted consecutive 10-win seasons in over 30 years. Elko has talked about becoming a consistent top-10 team and playoff contender, and this season will show whether the Aggies can take that next step or remain a one-year wonder.