Storm Brewing in College Station? Texas A&M’s Silent Struggle, Mike Elko’s Second-Year Gamble, and Greg McElroy’s Jaw-Dropping Prediction
After a promising start under head coach Mike Elko, the Texas A&M Aggies find themselves at a crossroads entering the 2025 season. Elko’s inaugural year saw the Aggies achieve an 8-5 record, highlighted by significant victories over Missouri and LSU . However, the season concluded on a sour note with a four-game losing streak, including a 35-31 defeat to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, raising concerns about the team’s trajectory .
The upcoming season presents a formidable challenge. The Aggies face a daunting schedule with road games against Notre Dame, LSU, Missouri, and archrival Texas. Home fixtures against Florida, Auburn, and South Carolina further complicate their path . Defensively, the departure of key players like Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart to the NFL leaves significant gaps, particularly in the defensive line .
Offensively, sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed returns after starting eight games in 2024. He’ll operate behind an experienced offensive line and benefit from new receiving options, including transfers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver . Despite these additions, Reed’s performance in the latter part of the previous season, where the team lost four of five games, has led to tempered expectations. Analyst Brad Crawford projects a 6-6 finish for the Aggies in 2025, citing concerns over offensive consistency and defensive depth .
Elko, recognizing the challenges ahead, has emphasized the need for growth and consistency. He has taken over defensive play-calling duties, aiming to instill a more aggressive and disciplined approach . The team’s success will heavily depend on the development of younger players stepping into leadership roles and the integration of new talent from the transfer portal.
As the Aggies prepare for the 2025 season, the pressure is mounting. Elko’s ability to navigate a challenging schedule, rebuild a depleted defense, and foster offensive cohesion will be critical. While the foundation laid in his first year offers hope, the upcoming season will be a true test of his leadership and the program’s resilience.
