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USA Today
2 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
3 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
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M HC Mike Elko believes the Aggies possess 'double-digit NFL draft picks'
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and three player representatives, including linebacker Taurean York, guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, and cornerback Will Lee III, spoke to the media before Elko takes the podium on Thursday afternoon, as all three men had plenty to say regarding the 2025 season ahead, and if the roster has what it takes to compete for a College Football Playoff spot. Throughout the offseason, Elko has been very vocal about Texas A&M's need to acquire and develop NFL talent, primarily through recruiting. The program's 14 transfer portal additions include several players, such as wide receiver KC Concepcion and defensive tackle Tyler Odyedim, who are likely second-round draft selections next spring. York, Reed-Adams, and Lee are also considered first, second, or third-round NFL draft picks at this point, and if all three players have strong seasons, their draft stock will only increase. Before taking the podium, Elko discussed the importance of developing NFL talent, stating that winning the SEC "typically" means said team has at least 13 future NFL Draft picks, similar to what the Texas Longhorns accomplished last season. "We should get to double digit NFL draft picks this year. That'll be the first time Texas A&M has done that in a very long time." This is not the first time Elko has discussed Texas A&M's NFL-ready 2025 roster this offseason, but it's the confidence in this group that stands out, especially knowing that redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed will be playing with a deep running back room and all five returning starters on the offensive line. 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
4 days 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
4 days 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.
