Returning stars and top recruits propel the Aggies to a No. 6 ranking in a way-too-early poll, igniting championship aspirations.
Not since the 1992 season had the Texas A&M Aggies logged 11 consecutive victories on the gridiron. Last season, the Aggies (11-2) did just that as they rolled like a juggernaut over their opponents.
That is, until the final regular season game against their arch-rival Texas Longhorns. Texas was led by Arch Manning, who accounted for two touchdowns and led the Longhorns to a 27-17 win in Austin.
The Aggies still hosted a College Football Playoff game against Miami at Kyle Field during Saturday brunch (11 a.m. kickoff), but there were not enough mimosas and bloody marys to ease the pain of the 12th Man, as they watched in horror as the Hurricanes ended the Aggies magical season with a 10-3 victory.
Texas A&M returns experience and talent at the offensive skill positions with quarterback Marcel Reed, running back Rueben Owens II and receiver Mario Craver all returning in 2026. In a way-too-early top 25 poll put out by Brandon Marcello of cbssports.com, that talent places the Aggies as the No. 6 team in the poll.
Reed accounted for over 3,600 total yards and 31 touchdowns, but did throw 12 interceptions. In their two losses, Reed threw two interceptions against both Texas and Miami.
Owens has rushed for over 1,000 yards in his career in College Station and recorded eight touchdowns. He will be the lead ball carrier for the Aggies next season to build on that production.
Craver is the leading returning receiver for the Aggies after pairing with KC Concepcion last season. Craver caught 59 passes for 917 yards and four touchdowns.
From the portal, coach Mike Elko landed a replacement for Concepcion as former Alabama receiver Isaiah Horton committed to the Aggies as part of the No. 11-ranked portal class. Horton caught 42 passes for 511 yards and eight touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. Against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, Horton caught a season-high three touchdown passes.
Texas A&M does lose three of their starters on the offensive line: Trey Zuhn III, Chase Bisontis and Ar’maj Reed-Adams. To replace them, Elko recruited talented offensive linemen Tyree Adams (LSU), Coen Echols (LSU) and Wilkin Formby (Alabama) from the portal.
Elko and the Aggies will look to build on the production that carried them to double-digit victories in 2025. There is a lot of football yet to be played. If Texas A&M can remain healthy through spring practice and fall camp, then 2026 could be another magical season for the Aggies.