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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN reveals Texas A&M's 3 biggest 'ifs' ahead of the 2025 season
Texas A&M's 2025 season will continue to be met with a host of questions, and thanks to ESPN writer Bill Connelly, the three biggest "ifs" regarding the Aggies' potential success this fall have been addressed. Most of the questions are recognizable based on the content we at Aggies Wire have put out during the offseason, especially quarterback Marcel Reed's improvement as a passer, aided by a revamped wide receiver room. This concern is one of the "ifs", while Texas A&M's new defensive line, following the departures of Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton, is the second most significant question after head coach Mike Elko added four defensive linemen from the transfer portal, led by former Iowa State DL Tyler Odyedim. During SEC media days, Elko was seldom asked about the Aggies' secondary, which needs to improve in terms of preventing big plays and perform much better on the road. This was the final question Connelly addressed in the article. Credit to Connelly for focusing on the core issues that will make or break the Aggies in 2025 instead of discussing the Lone Star Rivalry, which is four months away. Here are Bill Connelly's three "ifs" for Texas A&M during the 2025 season: Will Texas A&M's passing game find more pop? (Connelly's words) "There's a lot to like about this A&M team. Quarterback Marcel Reed returns after producing the best QBR of any freshman in the SEC -- that's right, it wasn't LaNorris Sellers or DJ Lagway. Reed was solid in terms of both run and pass, but the Aggies' passing game wasn't very explosive. And now last season's top five pass targets are gone. Can transfers such as KC Concepcion (NC State) and Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and young former blue-chippers including Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman provide the pop the Aggies lacked?" Yes, Marcel Reed's 75.4 QBR was the best for any freshman signal caller in the SEC last season, and while KC Concepcion and Mario Craver may take time to adjust to the scheme, Terry Bussey, Ashton Bethel-Roman, and Izaiah Williams are on the right track to providing more speed to an offense that lacked notable juice throught the air last season. Will Texas A&M's new pass rush perform better than last season? "A&M ranked 19th in defensive SP+ last season -- strangely, it was the sixth time in seven years that the Aggies ranked between 16th and 21st. They defended the pass well, but they could have done it even better if they hadn't ranked 85th in sack rate. Pairing transfer pass rushers such as Dayon Hayes(Colorado) and T.J. Searcy (Florida) with returning starter Cashius Howell and, perhaps, youngsters like Rylan Kennedy and Solomon Williams could produce a strong pass rush tandem. The secondary is going to be awesome regardless, but a little more harassment up front could go a long way." This is an interesting point, noting that statistics speak loudly regarding Texas A&M's defensive lapses during the tail end of the 2024 season, which failed to produce enough pressure up front even with Stewart, Scourton, and Turner in the starting lineup. Agreeing with Connelly, Texas A&M's cornerback and safety rotation may not be considered the best in the SEC with what Alabama and Texas are returning, but it should be solid. If the new pass rush produces consistently, the Aggie defense will be highly formidable with Elko now calling plays. Will Texas A&M's secondary allow fewer big plays? "A&M ranked fourth nationally in completion rate allowed (53.3%) and 19th in interception rate (3.7%). This was an aggressive secondary, and it returns both a dynamite cornerback duo (Dezz Ricks and Will Lee III) and a pair of safeties (Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe) who are unafraid of attacking both the ball and the line of scrimmage. The arrival of Washington nickel back Jordan Shaw is exciting, too. But when opponents landed a punch, it was a haymaker. A better pass rush would tamp down on breakdowns, but if experience means A&M's secondary is even better in the risk-versus-reward department, this could be the best pass defense in the country." Connelly's praise for Texas A&M's secondary is somewhat surprising, especially for someone like me who covers the program professionally, but I understand it. Cornerbacks Will Lee III and Julian Humphrey, who Connelly confusingly did not mention, are slated to be one of the better boundary duos in the country, while former five-star Dezz Ricks and senior cornerback Tyreek Chappell will likely lead the starting unit. Former Washington cornerback Jordan Shaw has also received praise this offseason from the coaching staff and Lee, making the starting nickel spot between him and Chappell an interesting storyline this fall. At safety, Dalton Brooks is an elite athlete who needs to refine some technical aspects of his game, while Bryce Anderson and March Ratcliffe are equally athletic but also need to take the next step in their development. Working under new defensive assistant Lyle Hemphill is an underrated and underreported aspect of the secondary's likely improvement, as the former James Madison defensive coordinator was brought in to clean up the remaining issues that plagued this group last 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 Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Who are top five Texas A&M freshmen in EA Sports College Football 26?
EA Sports College Football 26 honored the skills of many talented Texas A&M freshmen who could become future stars while developing under head coach Mike Elko over the next four years. It is not always that easy, however. This new era of college football, featuring the ever-growing transfer portal, has led to many first-year players quickly finding their next destinations. For now, the Aggies have a solid freshman foundation with some earning top overalls on Texas A&M's roster in this year's video game, and for good reason. Not to mention, Elko and company have roped in the No. 4 recruiting class for 2026, according to On3 Sports' 2026 Industry Ranking Football Team Recruiting Rankings. The class features one five-star and 19 four-star recruits, with many other prospects yet to lock in their commitments. If this cycle continues under Elko, the Aggies could be primed to have one of the top freshmen rosters in next year's game as well. While college football fans and the Maroon and White faithful continue to enjoy CFB 26, here are the top five freshmen on Texas A&M's roster that everyone should know about when playing the video game: Lamont Rogers, OL (80 overall) Rated a five-star recruit by 247Sports and a four-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN, offensive lineman Lamont Rogers earned the top overall of all freshmen on the Aggies' roster in College Football 26. Rogers was ranked at No. 20 in ESPN's Top 300, while also earning a 2024 Navy All-American Bowl selection. His athleticism, length and dominant performances helped lead Horn High School to an appearance in the UIL 6A DI playoffs during his sophomore year. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Rogers' size and underrated quickness are massive attributes that he will bring to the Texas A&M starting lineup in the future. His ability to play both basketball and soccer, while also showcasing his talent on the gridiron, molded him into one of the top overall athletes in his class. Kiotti Armstrong, TE (79 overall) With quarterback Marcel Reed entering his redshirt sophomore year in Bryan-College Station, Texas, adding favorable targets will help position the Aggies' offense for success in 2025. While former Alabama tight end Amari Niblack will likely see the majority of the snaps this year, consensus four-star Kiotti Armstrong will be able to learn and develop in his first year at Texas A&M. The Jasper, Texas, native hauled in 36 catches for 683 yards and seven touchdowns, while also earning a selection for the 2024 Navy All-American Bowl. Ranked No. 160 in ESPN's Top 300, Armstrong has well-earned his 79 overall in this year's college football video game. With his talent as a receiver and a blocker, his rating could increase heading into next season. Dealyn Evans, DL (79 overall) While he only saw the field in the Aggies' victories over McNeese and New Mexico State, defensive lineman Dealyn Evans has shed the redshirt and enters his freshman season in the Maroon and White in 2025. Nominated as last year's Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year, Evans came to Texas A&M as one of the top-ranked recruits in the country. The 2024 Under Armour All-American Bowl selection recorded 58 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, and 4.0 sacks during his senior campaign. Evans is a former multi-sport athlete who has all the intangibles to become an elite defensive star for the Aggies. His 79 overall rating does not justify the carnage he can create against opposing offenses. Deondrae "Tiger" Riden Jr., RB (77 overall) Texas A&M's 2025 running back room features some of the top athletes in the country. Ranked as the No. 5 unit by Athlon Sports, experienced backs like Le'Veon Moss, Rueben Owens, Amari Daniels, and EJ Smith will lead the way for the Aggies this season. However, the future is bright with Deondrae "Tiger" Riden Jr. biding his time in one of the deepest rooms in college football. The former DeSoto High School running back rushed for 1,880 yards on 234 carries and 27 touchdowns in his senior season. He owns DeSoto's career rushing record with 4,250-plus yards and nearly 60 scores. Rivals listed Riden Jr. as the No. 15 running back in the class and a four-star recruit by all major recruiting outlets. He is listed as a 77 overall in EA Sports College Football 26, but he could quickly rise in the rankings with his speed and breakaway ability, especially in a room filled with veteran leadership in College Station. Ashton Funk, OL (76 overall) Texas A&M's 6-foot-7, 305-pounder from Katy saw some snaps in 2024, including time on the field against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, but he will have the opportunity to grow and improve even more entering his freshman season with the Aggies. The four-star overall prospect was a standout player at Tompkins High School, becoming the 2023 Houston TD Club Offensive Player of the Year Finalist. Ranked No. 274 in ESPN's Top 300, Funk earned multiple UIL District 19-6A honors. While earning the majority of his snaps at left tackle at Tompkins, the four-star prospect displayed a knack for dominating defensive talent. Funk earned a 76 rating in this year's video game, but his size and strength could propel him into the group of 80 overalls next year with development under Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing. 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
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
HC Mike Elko understands the importance of 'finishing' during the 2025 season
Coaching in the college ranks is a constant challenge, no matter the level of experience, as good and bad years aren't simply based on play calling, as Auburn's 2010 season, led by star quarterback Cam Newton, was a team coached by Gene Chizik, who failed to produce a winning season after two years at Iowa State, but struck gold before being dismissed after a 3-9 finish in 2012. No one has matched Alabama's success under former head coach Nick Saban, while Georgia's Kirby Smart has brought home two titles and is now considered the best coach in the college ranks until further notice. For Elko, the 2024 campaign, his first as the Aggies' head coach, was just his third full season leading a program after two years with Duke, so it's fair to say he is still a small fish looking to make his way to the surface despite being one of sixteen SEC head coaches. On Thursday, Elko, alongside linebacker Taurean York, guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, and cornerback Will Lee III, spoke to the media during SEC media days, and during Elko's time at the podium, one of the media members in attendance asked about Texas A&M's lack of late season momentum after an impressive 7-1 start resulted in an 8-5 finish, including consecutive losses to Texas at home and USC in the Las Vegas Bowl. "Finishing" is a term widely used at every level of the game, as the teams that win in October and November usually make it to the postseason, and in this case, the College Football Playoff. Texas A&M has yet to earn a CFP bid since its inception, and with the 12-team expansion implemented last year, the Aggies have a shot to earn a spot in the bracket with at least nine or ten wins. However, Texas A&M's track record after September and the first half of October has been average to poor over the past six years under Jimbo Fisher. Although much of the same occurred during Elko's first season, he deserves some grace. While praising his talented 2025 roster, Elko provided a reality-based answer for how the team will attack the tough challenges in SEC Play, especially on the road. "You have to go through some of that sometimes, and as painful as it is and as painful as it was for us, our fans and everybody involved, we had never been in that position before." "You learn how you have to elevate your game in those matchups when you become that team. … Our kids have a really strong chip on their shoulder to finish that thing the right way." Texas A&M's comeback 38-23 win over LSU in Kyle Field included an early 17-7 deficit that was quickly eliminated in the second half after the Aggies' defense stepped up to force multiple turnovers, while quarterback Marcel Reed's performance off the bench included three rushing touchdowns. This team has what it takes to weather any storm this season, but that starts up front with the offensive line and the run game, both expected to be two of the best units in the country. Meanwhile, Marcel Reed's two weapons at wide receiver and tight end should create a balanced offensive approach. With Mike Elko taking over the defensive play-calling duties, broken coverages should be a thing of the past, and the pass rush should be elevated with more depth. 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
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
'No one is talking about them' SEC analyst is high on Texas A&M in 2025
Texas A&M's SEC media days appearance will take place on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. as coach Mike Elko and his three player representatives, linebacker Taurean York, guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, and cornerback Will Lee III, will speak to the media for the first and final time before the start of fall camp early next month. Still, even before Elko takes the podium, a long list of college football media figures had plenty to say regarding the Aggies' "dark horse" status as one of the more underrated teams nationally. Thanks to the TexAgs Live show, host David Nuno and Billy Liucci have conducted several intriguing interviews with well-known CFB broadcasters, including Jordan Rodgers. Rodgers, who played quarterback at Vanderbilt and is the brother of future Hall of Famer quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was asked who his "SEC sleeper" is with less than 45 days to go before the start of the 2025 season. With 16 options, Rodgers quickly chose Texas A&M, which he believes is a potential sleeping giant that could surprise everyone this fall. "No one is talking about them" Rodgers stated. "They are extremely talented. The backfield is loaded. A&M will surprise some people." Yes, the hype is real, and I'll be the first to deny that those of us in the Texas A&M media sphere have echoed this sentiment during the offseason, outside of noting the Aggies' strengths on both sides of the ball. Because of the way the 2024 season ended with three consecutive losses, it's fair that some feel the team doesn't have what it takes to withstand a tough schedule, but it's also important to note that nearly every key player from the 2026 campaign has returned, paired with 14 additions from the transfer portal. Rodgers isn't the first, and won't be the last media member to hype up the Aggies as the season grows closer, but he's 100% on point that this roster is highly talented, and loaded at running back headlined by senior Le'Veon Moss, who averaged over six yards per carry before his season-ending injury halfway through the 2024 season. Redshirt sophomore QB Marcel Reed will be the focus once the season begins, but the Tennessee native does not need to play at an elite level for Texas A&M to win nine, or possible ten games if the run game and veteran offensive line lives up to its hefty preseason expecations, while the defense is expected to also improve with Elko now calling defensive plays. 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
13-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jace LaViolette injury update: Latest updates on Texas A&M outfielder before MLB Draft
Texas A&M baseball's Jace LaViolette enters the 2025 MLB Draft as one of the more intriguing prospects on the draft board. The intrigue for the Aggies' left-handed slugger doesn't have to do with his skills and power at the plate, but instead the uncertainty with his health after sustaining a broken hand in the SEC tournament. LaViolette's position entering Day 1 of the MLB draft in Atlanta is similar to the one that his former teammate, Braden Montgomery, was in last season after he sustained a season-ending injury of his own in the NCAA Tournament, which cost Montgomery a few slots (and money) in the first round. The Aggies' 6-foot-6 outfielder, who is the No. 20-ranked draft prospect on MLB Pipeline, entered the 2025 college baseball season as the projected No. 1 overall pick, but with his hand injury and a down junior campaign, LaViolette has dropped into the No. 10 to No. 25 pick range in the first round. Though his odds of being a No. 1 overall pick are done, LaViolette is still considered one of the best college position players available in this year's draft. Known for his raw power and ability to demolish balls from inside the left batter's box, LaViolette hit 68 career home runs in three seasons at Texas A&M while posting a career .285 average. Here's the latest injury update on LaViolette ahead of the first round of the MLB draft and more, including his latest MLB mock draft projections: Jace LaViolette injury update LaViolette sustained a broken left hand injury in the fifth inning of Texas A&M's 3-2 second-round win against Auburn on May 22 in the SEC baseball tournament. The injury came about during an at-bat where LaViolette attempted to swing at a pitch before the ball came in on him and hit him off his knuckles and the knob of the bat. He briefly stayed in the game but then exited the game after signaling into the Aggies' dugout from first base that he couldn't stay in the game and fight off the pain. He returned to Texas A&M's dugout in the seventh inning with his entire left hand and wrist wrapped with a splint. Texas A&M coach Michael Earley initially told reporters at the SEC tournament that LaViolette's injury would keep him out for the remainder of the conference tournament, but the plans for the Aggies' outfielder were reversed as he played in the quarterfinals vs. LSU. "I'm not sure if I can say, but he will be out for the remainder of the tournament," Earley said after Texas A&M's win over Auburn on May 22. While have been no public updates on how LaViolette's recovery has been since the Aggies' season ended on May 23, he did have surgery prior to Texas A&M's quarterfinal game vs. LSU on May 23 and was in the lineup for that game. He was also invited to the MLB Draft Combine, which took place June 17 through June 21 at Chase Field in Phoenix. What is Jace LaViolette's injury? LaViolette has been dealing with a broken left hand injury. He had surgery immediately, where he got a pin placed into his hand, and returned to the lineup the next day for the Aggies. "Got hit in the hand yesterday. Broke a bone in there and got surgery and played today. I'd run through a brick wall for this guy (Texas A&M coach Michael Earley)," LaViolette said at the SEC Tournament on May 24. Added Earley: "He had surgery last night at 7 p.m. and played in a game (tonight) at 6:45. For him to do what he did today, I mean that's just maybe the most incredible thing I've ever seen on a baseball field and it just shows a lot about how much that kid cares about his team." Jace LaViolette MLB mock draft projections Here's a look at LaViolette's latest mock draft projections from MLB draft analysts: Jace LaViolette stats Here's a year-by-year breakdown of LaViolette's stats at Texas A&M:
