Texas A&M’s first three kickoff times are set as Mike Elko’s Aggies enter 2026 with playoff expectations and a loaded roster.
Texas A&M football now has its first three kickoff times locked in, and the early TV schedule shows just how much attention Mike Elko’s Aggies are carrying into 2026.
Coming off the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance, Texas A&M will open the season Sept. 5 against Missouri State at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN at Kyle Field.
One week later, the Aggies jump straight into a major non-conference test against Arizona State at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.
Then comes the SEC opener against Kentucky on Sept. 19, set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN or ESPN2.
That’s a strong early spotlight for a team trying to prove last season wasn’t a one-year surge.
Elko changed the mood in College Station fast.
In 2025, Texas A&M started 11-0 for the first time since 1992 and sent 10 players into the 2026 NFL Draft.
That kind of production usually creates a step-back season, but the Aggies have reloaded aggressively.
Texas A&M added the No. 4 transfer portal class and the No. 7 recruiting class, giving Elko the kind of roster depth needed to stay in the national race.
Former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton is one of the biggest names to watch, especially with the Aggies looking to keep their offense explosive under a new coordinator.
The schedule won’t give Texas A&M many soft landings.
After the first three home games, the Aggies head to LSU, face Arkansas, travel to Missouri, visit Alabama, go to South Carolina, host Tennessee, visit Oklahoma and finish with Texas on Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
That’s a brutal road back to the playoff.
But that’s also the point. Texas A&M wanted to be treated like a national contender. Now the Aggies are getting the TV windows, expectations and pressure that come with it.
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