With a prolific offense returning key skill players, Texas A&M aims to rebound from a strong 2025 season and contend for championships in 2026.
In 2025, the Aggies posted 11 straight victories before losing to Texas and Miami to end their magical season. Texas A&M did not play in the Southeastern Conference Championship game despite posting a 7-1 league record, but did appear in the College Football Playoff.
Consequently, the Aggies will lose talent to the NFL. But they're blessed for success in 2026 as they return starters at the offensive skill positions.
QB Marcel Reed
At the quarterback position, Reed passed for 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 62 percent of his passes. In addition, Reed carried for 493 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
A&M traveled to LSU in October, where the Aggies had not won in Tiger Stadium since 1994. Reed single-handedly reversed the curse of Death Valley on that night, accounting for 310 total yards and four touchdowns in a come-from-behind 49-25 victory.
Reed's phenomenal performance on the road in a hostile environment sealed the fate of LSU coach Brian Kelly, who was fired along with offensive coordinator Joe Sloan the following day. This ultimately led to the hiring of Lane Kiffin as the head coach at LSU.
But in the regular season finale against in-state rival Texas, Reed failed to throw a TD pass but threw two interceptions in a 27-17 loss in Austin. Then in the playoff matchup against Miami, Reed appeared for an encore performance with much the same result: no touchdowns, two interceptions. Reed will have to cut down on the mistakes to be successful in 2026.
RB Rueben Owens
Owens is essentially alone in the running back room. In 2025, Owens rushed for over 600 yards and five scores. He averaged 5.37 yards per carry. Owens posted two games of over 100 yards rushing.
But Owens failed to crack 50 yards rushing in three games at the end of the season. He did not play against Samford. In three seasons at Texas A&M, Owens has rushed for 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns.
WR Mario Craver
Craver was part of the dynamic duo at wide receiver for the Aggies last season, along with KC Concepcion. Craver hauled in 59 of Reed’s passes for 917 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 15.54 yards per catch. For his efforts, Craver was named third-team All-SEC.
Some teams have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to roster retention going into the next season. With these returning offensive stars, the Aggies could be the team to beat in 2026.