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USA Today
12 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Pro Football Focus ranks Texas A&M's offense and defense as Top 10 2025 units
Texas A&M's 2025 season is less than 45 days away, and if you haven't been paying attention this week, coach Mike Elko's squad is finally getting some positive attention during SEC media days, which is both positive and slightly negative if superstitions are your thing. Throughout the offseason, the Aggies have been under the radar, and for good reason, as Elko's inaugural campaign turned south after a 7-1 start, which included home victories against LSU and Missouri, both ranked inside the Top 10 at the time. However, after star running back Le'Veon Moss was lost for the season after sustaining a lower leg injury in the loss to South Carolina, the Aggies' offensive attack was completely changed. However, the defense wasn't any better after allowing too many explosive plays that put the offense behind the sticks early, contributing to the program's disappointing 1-4 finish. Just weeks after the 2024 season concluded, Elko and his staff went to work, focused on keeping a majority of the roster while adding talent from the transfer portal. With over 70% of the roster retained combined with 14 transfer additions, Texas A&M's offense and defense are now considered top 10 units per Pro Football Focus. This week, PFF ranked the Aggies offense, aided but a starting quarterback Marcel Reed, a running back room headlined by senior Le'Veon Moss, and a revamped wide receiver room with KC Concepcion and Mario Craver now in the lineup as the eighth best unit nationally. "The Aggies may unleash the best rushing attack in college football next year. They have a top-five running back unit, a top-five offensive line, one of the best rushing quarterbacks (Marcel Reed) and even a couple of wide receivers who are capable rushers (Kevin Concepcion and Terry Bussey). The only question is if Texas A&M will have enough of a passing game to complement that, because Reed ranked only 114th in PFF passing grade last year (64.6). The Aggies do have a top-10 receiving corps to help him out, though." Defensively, PFF has similar believe that with Mike Elko taking over as the defensive play caller, the secondary, Elko's speciality, should improve with the return of senior cornerback Will Lee III and the addition of former Georgia CB Julian Humphrey, while the safety rotation, led by Dalton Brooks and Bryce Anderson, struggled last season, but isn't lacking in speed or athleticism. Still, the A&M pass rush also has much to prove after Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart departed for the NFL. PFF ranked Texas A&M's 2025 defense ninth above No. 10 Texas Tech. "The Aggies have PFF's sixth-ranked linebacker unit, led by the No. 2 linebacker in college football, Taurean York. The defensive line is a top-15 group with potential breakout stars in edge defender Cashius Howell and defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim. The secondary needs to play better, but Texas A&M does return plenty of experienced players to the unit." Taurean York, Cashius Howell, and former Iowa State defensive tackle Tyler Onyedium will likely lead the Aggies in several categories and will be relied on to take the lead in late-game situations when a defensive stop is needed. Texas A&M needs to prove its worth on the field this season, but it certainly has enough talent and depth on both sides of the ball to get the job done. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
College football cash kings: Texas A&M ranks among nation's top spenders this season
NEW: Top 10 Biggest Spenders in College Football this season💰(Survey via @PeteNakos_) In a recent survey compiled by On3 Sports, Texas A&M ranks as one of the top spenders in college football this season. Becoming financially sound is an integral part of garnering national attention from recruits and translating that to success on the gridiron in this era of collegiate athletics. According to Pete Nakos, second-year head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies are tied with Miami as the fifth-biggest spenders in the country this season. Texas is the only team in the Southeastern Conference ranked above Texas A&M, as the Longhorns rank at No. 1 on Nakos' survey. While the sport, and college athletics as a whole, have become more focused on a school's economic situation, the transfer portal has increased dramatically and recruits are hanging their hats on where they can benefit the most from NIL (Name, image and likeness) compensation. Here is the full list of the top-spending programs in college football, provided by Nakos and On3 Sports on Tuesday morning: After hiring head coach Mike Elko on Nov. 27, 2023, Texas A&M recorded its first eight-win season since 2021. The Aggies finished Elko's first campaign in Bryan-College Station, Texas, with an 8-5 overall record, which included a loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl to cap off the year. If the program wants to reach the next level, it will require a financial investment in prospects who will help mold the future of the program through their performances on the gridiron. The last time the Aggies achieved a 10-win season was in 2012, when quarterback Johnny Manziel was shredding defenses every Saturday. Can Texas A&M become one of the top programs in the country? The short answer is that they absolutely can. Athletic director Trev Alberts seems to be invested in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of college football, as he continues to praise the way that Elko and company handle the shift on the recruiting trail. "I've had a chance to listen to all of what they're selling. Again, it's genuine. It's real. It's not just football," Alberts said. "It's the total person development. That kind of stuff matters to moms and dads and grandparents and other people. So, again, I just think Mike (Elko) has worked really, really hard at it. I'm excited about the future of our football program." Following a full summer of recruiting that still has yet to officially end, the program has secured the No. 4 recruiting class for 2026. With one five-star and 18 four-star prospects already committed to gear up in the Maroon and White uniform next fall, the Aggies' class has received an impressive 92.377 score via On3 Sports. Bringing top-ranked talent to Aggieland can only increase Texas A&M's chances of setting the program up for success. With Elko continuing to help rebuild the infrastructure from the ground up, the next few years of wise NIL spending and recruiting in College Station could help boost the Aggies to new heights. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M infielder announces return for senior year in 2026
Following the conclusion of the 2025 MLB Draft and several free-agent conversations, junior infielder Ben Royo has announced his return to Texas A&M for his senior season. Royo transferred to the Aggies after two seasons at Rice, where he earned All-Silver Glove Series honors and was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. At A&M, he started 36 of the 44 games he played and found his stride toward the latter half of the season, posting a .258/.342/.538 slash line with 23 RBIs and 10 home runs. Defensively, Royo showed reliable glove work, recording a .985 fielding percentage with just two errors, both during conference play. He was perfect over his final 23 games, making him one of the more consistent infielders on a team plagued by defensive miscues. His return provides a significant boost to a program that lost several key players and 2025 recruits to the MLB Draft, giving the coaching staff a proven asset heading into next season. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2026 4-star ATH and Texas A&M commit rises 259 spots in Rivals 300 rankings
One of Texas A&M's more underrated commits in the 2026 recruiting class, three-star quarterback and future tight end Kaeden Johnson, has reportedly risen 259 spots in Rivals' updated recruiting rankings for the 2026 cycle. When Johnson committed to the Aggies last month, several insiders acknowledged that he would make a significant jump due to his elite versatility. However, even with his drastic rise, Johnson was not included in Rivals' "Biggest Risers" list, which likely had to do with him not being unranked before his stock rose. As a star quarterback at Fort Bend Marshall HS in Missouri City, Texas, Johnson's size, speed, and athleticism make him an intriguing future offensive weapon under OC Collin Klein. Texas A&M has had success with versatile athletes taking on new positions, including junior safety Bryce Anderson, who was also a quarterback in high school. Johnson's QB background, once he makes the transition to tight end, will come in handy as he learns his new role in Klein's scheme. During his 2024 junior season, Johnson passed for 2,109 yards and 25 touchdowns, completing 60% of his passes, while also rushing for 571 yards and six touchdowns. Johnson is now the 174th-ranked prospect in the 2026 cycle and the 24th-ranked prospect in Texas. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Aggie utility player rejoins Texas A&M after a record-breaking season at SEU
He's Back! In a surprising development, former Texas A&M utility player Travis Chestnut announced via social media that he will be transferring back to Texas A&M for his final season. Nobody saw this coming, but it's a welcome addition to a team that needs veteran leadership, especially from someone already familiar with the university and head coach Michael Earley. After the 2024 season, eligibility status remained unclear for several Aggies, most notably Evan Aschenbeck and Chestnut. The NCAA dragged its feet, prompting both players to pursue other opportunities: Aschenbeck signed a professional contract, while Chestnut accepted a Division II offer from St. Edward's University. During his time at SEU, Chestnut played in 60 games, batting .308 with 54 RBIs and 40 stolen bases. His 72 runs and 40 stolen bases set team records for the Hilltoppers. Chestnut's return to Aggieland brings speed to the basepaths and College World Series experience to a young, talented roster. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
