Texas A&M Kickoff vs. Missouri State: Reed, Sanford in Focus

Texas A&M is finally ready to find out whether 2025 was the start of something bigger.

The No. 8 Aggies open the 2026 season Saturday night against Missouri State at Kyle Field after an 11-win campaign and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance.

MORE: Texas A&M-Missouri State Pregame: Opens 2026 With Big Questions Against Missouri State Bears

Mike Elko enters Year 3 with a roster talented enough to stay in the national conversation, but the first test is about execution more than survival.

Quarterback Marcel Reed is back for his second full season as the starter after throwing for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns last year.

He also rushed for six scores, and with Mario Craver returning after a 917-yard receiving season, Texas A&M already has an established quarterback-receiver combination.

One of the biggest late-week storylines is the return of linebacker Daymion Sanford.

Sanford suffered a left fibula injury during the spring game and underwent surgery, creating uncertainty about whether he would be ready for Week 1.

Elko said earlier this week that Sanford was still somewhat of a game-time decision but that he expected the senior linebacker to play.

That would be a significant boost. Sanford recorded 57 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2025.

The Aggies won’t be completely healthy, however. Running back Tiger Riden Jr. and defensive tackle Chace Simshave already been ruled out for the entire season because of injuries suffered during preseason preparation.

There’s also a new face handling field goals. Illinois transfer David Olano won the kicking job after making 37 of 43 career field-goal attempts entering the season.

Missouri State presents some mystery under first-year head coach Casey Woods, the former SMU offensive coordinator.

Quarterback Skyler Locklear brings starting experience and dual-threat ability, giving Texas A&M’s rebuilt defense something legitimate to account for.

There is no head-to-head history to lean on.

Saturday marks the first meeting ever between Texas A&M and Missouri State. The Bears are also entering just their second season at the FBS level after moving up before the 2025 season.

MORE: How to Watch Texas A&M Football Opener vs. Missouri State: Marcel Reed's the Focus

Texas A&M has historically handled home openers well, winning 23 of its last 26. The Aggies should make that 24.

But the bigger question tonight is whether they look like the top-10 team everyone expects them to be.