The Texas A&M Aggies enter the 2025 season with heightened expectations under second-year Head Coach Mike Elko. After finishing 8-5 in 2024, the Aggies are looking to build on their progress and contend in a reloaded SEC. With a strong returning core and strategic transfer portal additions, particularly at key offensive skill positions and on the defensive line, A&M aims to finally reach its full potential.
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Storylines Entering the Season
- Marcel Reed’s Development: All eyes will be on quarterback Marcel Reed, who is expected to be the full-time starter after showing flashes of brilliance in 2024 when filling in for an injured Conner Weigman. His mobility and poise will be crucial for the Aggies’ offensive success.
- Offensive Skill Position Reload: Despite losing some key wide receivers, A&M has brought in talented replacements through the transfer portal, including slot receiver KC Concepcion and speedy Mario Craver, to stretch the field. The running back room is also deep, led by Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens.
- Defensive Line Replacements: The Aggies lost significant talent on the defensive line to the NFL Draft (Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner). While this is a major challenge, new additions and returning players like DJ Hicks and Tyler Onyedim will need to step up to maintain the unit’s disruptive force.
- Linebacker Strength: The linebacker corps is expected to be a major strength, with the return of productive duo Taurean York and Scooby Williams. Both are poised for All-SEC campaigns, providing experience and playmaking ability.
- Reigniting the Texas Rivalry: The renewed rivalry game against Texas at the end of the season will be a highly anticipated matchup, especially after the Longhorns won the first meeting in over a decade in 2024. This game will carry significant bragging rights and potentially conference implications.
Texas A&M Key Players
- Marcel Reed (QB, R-So.): The presumed starting quarterback, Reed’s growth and command of the offense will be the most critical factor for A&M’s success.
- Le’Veon Moss (RB, Sr.): A powerful running back who was on pace for a top rushing season in the SEC before an injury in 2024. His return to full health is vital for the ground game.
- Rueben Owens II (RB, R-So.): A highly-touted former five-star recruit who will share carries with Moss, providing a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield.
- Terry Bussey (WR, So.): A versatile and explosive playmaker who can impact the game as a receiver and returner.
- KC Concepcion (WR, Jr.): A transfer from NC State, Concepcion was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2023 and is a “yards-after-the-catch” machine expected to be a major contributor.
- Taurean York (LB, Jr.): A highly instinctive and productive linebacker who is poised for an All-SEC season.
- Scooby Williams (LB, Sr.): A versatile linebacker who, now healthy, complements York well and adds athleticism and playmaking ability to the defense.
- Bryce Anderson (S, Sr.): A key player in the secondary, providing leadership and experience.
Texas A&M Depth Chart (Projected)
Offense
- QB: Marcel Reed (R-So.) / Jacob Zeno (R-Sr.)
- RB: Le’Veon Moss (Sr.) / Rueben Owens II (R-So.) / Amari Daniels (R-Sr.)
- WR (X): Mario Craver (So.) / Ashton Bethel-Roman (R-Fr.)
- WR (Z): Terry Bussey (So.) / Jonah Wilson (R-So.)
- WR (Slot): KC Concepcion (Jr.) / Izaiah Williams (R-Fr.)
- LT: Trey Zuhn III (R-Sr.) / Lamont Rogers (Fr.)
- LG: Chase Bisontis (Jr.) / Ashton Funk (R-Fr.)
- C: Mark Nabou Jr. (R-Jr.) / Kolinu’u Faaiu (R-Sr.)
- RG: Ar’maj Reed-Adams (R-Sr.) / Blake Ivy (R-Fr.)
- RT: Dametrious Crownover (R-Sr.) / Reuben Fatheree II (R-Sr.)
- TE: Amari Niblack (Sr.) / Theo Melin Öhrström (R-Jr.)
Defense
- LDE: T.J. Searcy (Jr.) / Dayon Hayes (Gr.)
- NT: Albert Regis (R-Sr.) / Dealyn Evans (R-Fr.)
- DT: Tyler Onyedim (R-Sr.) / DJ Hicks (Jr.)
- RDE: Cashius Howell (R-Sr.) / Marco Jones (Fr.)
- WLB: Taurean York (Jr.) / Jordan Lockhart (So.)
- MLB: Scooby Williams (R-Sr.) / Daymion Sanford (Jr.)
- LCB: Dezz Ricks (R-So.) / Julian Humphrey (R-Jr.)
- SS: Dalton Brooks (Jr.) / Marcus Ratcliffe (Jr.)
- FS: Bryce Anderson (Sr.) / Myles Davis (So.)
- RCB: Will Lee III (Sr.) / Jayvon Thomas (Jr.)
- NB: Jordan Shaw (R-So.) / Tyreek Chappell (R-Sr.)
Special Teams
- P: Tyler White (R-So.)
- PK: Randy Bond (Gr.) / Jared Zirkel (Gr.)
- KR: Rueben Owens II (R-So.) / Ashton Bethel-Roman (R-Fr.)
- PR: Izaiah Williams (R-Fr.) / Mario Craver (So.)
Texas A&M Full Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 (Sat) | UTSA | College Station, Texas |
| Sep 6 (Sat) | Utah State | College Station, Texas |
| Sep 13 (Sat) | at Notre Dame | South Bend, Ind. |
| Sep 20 (Sat) | BYE | |
| Sep 27 (Sat) | Auburn | College Station, Texas |
| Oct 4 (Sat) | Mississippi State | College Station, Texas |
| Oct 11 (Sat) | Florida | College Station, Texas |
| Oct 18 (Sat) | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark. |
| Oct 25 (Sat) | at LSU | Baton Rouge, La. |
| Nov 1 (Sat) | BYE | |
| Nov 8 (Sat) | at Missouri | Columbia, Mo. |
| Nov 15 (Sat) | South Carolina | College Station, Texas |
| Nov 22 (Sat) | Samford | College Station, Texas |
| Nov 28 (Fri) | at Texas | Austin, Texas |
Key Games Focus
Here are 2-3 key games that could define Texas A&M’s 2025 season:
- September 13 at Notre Dame: This early-season road trip to South Bend is a major non-conference test. A strong performance against a traditional power like Notre Dame would provide significant national exposure and set a positive tone before the SEC schedule begins. It’s a chance to prove the Aggies are ready for prime time.
- October 25 at LSU: A crucial SEC West showdown on the road in Death Valley. This game often has significant implications for the division title. A victory over LSU would be a massive statement win for Mike Elko’s program and could put them in a strong position for a successful conference season.
- November 28 at Texas: The highly anticipated renewal of the Lone Star Showdown. This Black Friday rivalry game against the Longhorns will be a high-stakes affair, carrying immense bragging rights and potentially significant conference and playoff implications. A win in Austin would be a defining moment for the Aggies in the new SEC landscape.
