'There is a genuine energy around the program': Texas A&M head coach previews season

USA Today

4 hours ago

Before he leads the Texas A&M football program on the gridiron this fall, second-year head coach Mike Elko appeared at the Fort Worth Stockyards to talk ball on Coach's Night with the Fort Worth A&M Club on Tuesday night.
Elko led the Aggies to a record of 8-5 (5-3 in SEC) in his first season in Bryan-College Station, Texas, which marks the first eight-win season for the program since 2021. The 2024 campaign had a fair share of good moments, but some aspects need improvement this season if Texas A&M wants the 12-team College Football Playoff.
"We're really proud of the foundation that we've laid in the first year here for what Texas A&M football is and where it's going."
The South Brunswick, N.J., native recruited tremendously in the offseason by bringing in top-rated athletes like former NC State wideout KC Concepcion, who is projected to make an immediate impact for the Aggies this season.
During his appearance at Coach's Night, Elko expressed his thoughts on the junior wide receiver and what he brings to the table for the offense this season, according to TexAgs.
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"KC Concepcion has been exceptional... He could be a captain," Elko said. "He has been unbelivable with his work ethic, his commitment to doing things the way we want to do them. He has been a role model for our younger guys."
With targets like Concepcion, Mississippi State transfer Mario Craver Jr., Terry Bussey, Izaiah Williams and Ashton Bethel-Roman to throw to, it also takes a quarterback who can be accurate and find ways to get the ball to those targets.
Texas A&M has just that with dual-threat sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed, who has stepped up as a leader and continued to strengthen his game during the offseason.
"Marcel (Reed) has been great," Elko said at Coach's Night on Tuesday. "I don't think anybody really appreciates the development that Marcel made because a lot of his development happened at the end of the year when we didn't get the results we wanted. We have to finish those games and get the results, but if you're looking for signs of growth from the quarterback, those signs were there. We think we've got a really, really good quarterback this year."
When competing in the Southeastern Conference, it is integral to protect your gunslinger. It all starts up front for the Aggies this season, as the veteran group prepares to anchor the Texas A&M offense this season.
Elko had high praise for the group when talking with the Fort Worth A&M Club on Tuesday night.
"The roster starts with the offensive line, and any time you can talk about the roster starting with the offensive line, you feel pretty good about what you can accomplish," Elko said. "We return our top seven linemen. We're really excited about the veteran experience we have with that group ."
Along with an experienced offensive line, a talented wide receiving corps, and Reed at the helm, the running back room is just as dangerous. Ranked as one of the best groups in the SEC heading into 2025, the projected starter Le'Veon Moss is set to have an explosive season.
Moss suffered an injury last season that sidelined him from November until the end of last year's campaign. However, he seems to be recovering well and is undoubtedly chomping at the bit to get back on the field this fall.
"It's great to have Le'Veon Moss back and heathy. He looks awesome," Elko said. "He has done an unbelivable job of rehab to get himself to in position where he's running full-speed right now."
The defensive unit for the Aggies needed major rebuilding after losing Shemar Stewart, Shemart Turner and Nic Scourton to the 2025 NFL Draft. Players like senior Cashius Howell will play key roles in filling the holes on that side of the ball.
"When you lose a first-rounder and two second-rounders, it's not easy," Elko said. "I think Cashius Howell is the first guy that jumps out to you. I think Cashius is going to be an elite player."
Elko is leading the program in the right direction, both on the field and in recruiting. Texas A&M landed a huge commitment on Tuesday, as running back KJ Edwards, who ranks as the No. 2 player at the position in the country, bumped the Aggies to No. 2 in 247 Sports' recruiting rankings.
Earning one of the top recruiting classes in the country so far for 2026 is a testament to the work Elko and the company are doing to build the program back to its winning ways. More than that, they are building a welcoming environment with everyone focused on getting better.
"The feeling when you're around our team and around our players, they genuinely enjoy being in the building. They genuinely enjoy going to workout," Elko said. "There is a genuine energy around the program, and that's something recruits feel. There is a process of getting the program into a position where you can consistently win. We feel like all those indicators are pointing in the right direction."
The Texas A&M football program will begin this year's campaign on August 30 against UTSA. Kickoff from Kyle Field is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
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