: Texas A&M’s Mike Elko Named to The Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List — A Resounding Recognition of Leadership and Integrity
College Station, TX — In a moment of pride for the 12th Man and the entire Texas A&M football community, head coach Mike Elko has been officially named to the prestigious Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List, an honor reserved for the nation’s top head coaches who embody excellence on the field, in the classroom, and within their communities.
The Dodd Trophy, presented annually by the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, is one of the most revered honors in college football. It recognizes coaches who not only win games but win the hearts of their players, fans, and academic institutions by prioritizing character, leadership, and holistic development.
For Coach Elko, this nomination comes as no surprise to those familiar with his mission since returning to Aggieland. After serving as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, Elko made waves at Duke, transforming the Blue Devils into ACC contenders before being called back to College Station to take over as head coach in 2024.
Since his return, Elko has energized the Aggies with a disciplined culture, strategic defense, and renewed recruiting momentum. Off the field, he’s pushed for academic excellence, NIL education, and strong community engagement — spearheading outreach efforts throughout Brazos Valley and partnering with organizations that serve youth in underprivileged areas.
Under his guidance, A&M is not just aiming for a College Football Playoff run — it’s aiming to become a model program nationally.
Elko joins a watch list filled with coaching giants like Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Michigan’s Sherrone Moore, and Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer. But many believe Elko is this year’s dark horse, and if the Aggies put together a breakthrough season, he could find himself hoisting the Dodd Trophy come December.
Stay tuned — the Aggie revolution might just be getting started.
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