Despite a terrible bowl loss, Texas A&M football has 5 big positives heading into 2025.

Texas A&M football has some positive aspects going into the 2025 season that could help the team have a prosperous future, even though they suffered a heartbreaking loss in their bowl game. Even though the Aggies’ season-ending loss was clearly a setback, there are a number of significant positives that suggest a better future for the club. These five elements provide hope and optimism for the Aggies’ 2025 season, from growing leadership and recruitment success to talent on both sides of the ball. Despite hardship, Texas A&M has a solid foundation that may help them recover and succeed in the upcoming campaign.

1. The Strength of the Defense

One of the most promising aspects for Texas A&M moving into 2025 is the strength and potential of their defense. Despite some inconsistency during the 2024 season, the Aggies showed signs of being one of the most talented and aggressive defensive units in the country. Texas A&M boasts a number of elite players, especially on the defensive line and in the secondary, who will be returning for the 2025 season.

The Aggies’ defensive line, which was one of the team’s more consistent units throughout the season, is filled with young talent and experienced upperclassmen. With players like Shemar Turner and McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M has the ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to disrupt the opponent’s offensive rhythm and stop the run has been a hallmark of the defense, and these players will be key in 2025.

In addition to the defensive line, the Aggies have several playmakers in the secondary, including standout cornerbacks and safeties. With a defensive coordinator who understands how to put these athletes in position to succeed, the defense can be one of the most formidable in the SEC, especially with the return of several experienced upperclassmen who bring leadership and knowledge to the team.

Despite some tough losses, the Aggies’ defense can be the backbone of the program moving forward, providing stability and potentially even transforming the team into a top contender in the SEC if they can stay healthy and build on their success from 2024.

2. Talent at Quarterback

Quarterback play is critical to any football team’s success, and Texas A&M is in a strong position moving into the 2025 season. Although the 2024 bowl loss highlighted some areas of inconsistency at the quarterback position, the Aggies have a solid foundation with their current options. Max Johnson, who served as the team’s primary quarterback in 2024, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, particularly in his ability to make plays under pressure and command the offense during key moments. While Johnson’s play was at times inconsistent, he did demonstrate the capability to lead the team and move the ball down the field.

Moreover, the quarterback room for Texas A&M includes promising younger talent, such as Connor Weigman, who has the potential to step in as the leader of the offense in the future. Weigman has shown flashes of why many consider him one of the top quarterbacks in his class, and his growth and development during the offseason will be critical for Texas A&M’s success. With the right coaching and more experience, Weigman could become a star for the Aggies in 2025.

The combination of an experienced senior quarterback in Johnson and the potential of Weigman gives Texas A&M options and flexibility at the position. If Johnson can find more consistency, and if Weigman continues to progress, the Aggies will have a quarterback corps capable of leading them to success in 2025.

3. A Strong Recruiting Class and Transfer Portal Success

Another major positive for Texas A&M heading into the 2025 season is their strong recruiting class and their ability to bring in talent via the transfer portal. Head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff have focused heavily on improving the overall talent level of the program, and their efforts have begun to pay off. Texas A&M has consistently brought in high-profile recruits who can make an immediate impact, and the 2025 recruiting class is no exception.

The Aggies are adding some top-tier high school prospects, particularly on the offensive line, defensive backfield, and at wide receiver. These recruits could bolster areas where the team needs immediate upgrades, especially in terms of depth and competition at key positions. The offensive line, which was a weakness in 2024, is expected to see a boost from incoming players, providing the team with better protection for the quarterback and more stability in the running game.

In addition to the high school recruits, Texas A&M has done well in the transfer portal, adding experienced players who can contribute right away. Transfer players often have a big impact in their first season with a program, and the Aggies have been able to land players at key positions where they need help, such as wide receiver and defensive back. This influx of talent, both from high school recruits and the transfer portal, will provide the Aggies with immediate depth and competition for spots on the roster, which should help improve the overall performance of the team in 2025.

4. Emerging Leadership and Depth

Leadership and depth are two crucial components that contribute to the success of any football team, and Texas A&M has made significant strides in both areas as they approach the 2025 season. One of the standout positives for the Aggies is the emergence of strong leaders within the program. While the 2024 season had its ups and downs, several players took on leadership roles and showed that they could be relied upon to guide the team both on and off the field.

Players like Ainias Smith, a wide receiver who is expected to return for his senior season, have shown the ability to lead by example. Smith has been one of the most consistent and dynamic playmakers for Texas A&M and will continue to serve as a key leader in the locker room. On the defensive side of the ball, players like Edgerrin Cooper and Antonio Johnson have been vocal leaders, setting the tone for the defense and keeping the team focused. Their leadership will be essential for the Aggies as they move into a new season.

Additionally, the Aggies have developed better depth in recent years, particularly on defense and at key skill positions. With a deeper roster, Texas A&M is in a stronger position to handle injuries and rotating players in and out of the lineup without significant drop-offs in performance. Depth allows the coaching staff to manage player workloads more effectively and ensure that the team remains fresh throughout the season. With the infusion of new talent through the recruiting class and transfer portal, the Aggies will be well-equipped to face the physical demands of the SEC and make a push for contention.

5. The Stability of Jimbo Fisher’s Leadership

While the team’s overall performance in 2024 may have been inconsistent, one of the most significant positives for Texas A&M heading into 2025 is the stability that head coach Jimbo Fisher brings to the program. Fisher has a proven track record of success, both at Texas A&M and during his time at Florida State, and the program remains in capable hands under his leadership. Fisher is committed to building a winning culture and has continued to recruit top-tier talent while maintaining high standards of discipline and effort.