Was Texas A&M included in the final US LBM Coaches Top 25 for 2024?

As of the close of the 2024 season, the Texas A&M Aggies were notably absent from the US LBM Coaches’ Top 25 rankings, marking a significant point of disappointment for a program that had once held such high aspirations. The rankings, compiled by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), are a prestigious reflection of college football’s elite teams, and Texas A&M’s exclusion from the list further underscores the struggles the program has faced in recent years.

Despite their potential and lofty recruiting classes, the Aggies’ performance over the past few seasons has fallen short of expectations. Once viewed as an emerging power in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Texas A&M now finds itself in a position of transition, both in terms of roster turnover and coaching direction.

This article will take an in-depth look at the Aggies’ exclusion from the final US LBM Coaches’ Top 25 rankings for 2024, examining the factors that contributed to their absence, how the program’s recent performances have impacted its standing, and what the future holds for Texas A&M football as it looks to reclaim its spot among the nation’s elite programs.

1. Overview of Texas A&M’s 2024 Season

The 2024 Texas A&M football season was a campaign marked by highs and lows. Under head coach Jimbo Fisher, who has been at the helm since 2018, the Aggies faced challenges in consistently competing in the SEC. Despite recruiting strong talent and having a roster filled with highly-ranked prospects, the team struggled to turn that potential into sustained success on the field.

A key issue for Texas A&M in 2024 was inconsistent quarterback play. The Aggies were once again searching for stability at the most important position, as Fisher’s attempts to settle on a starting quarterback were often marred by injuries, underperformance, and a lack of cohesion in the offensive system. While Conner Weigman showed flashes of brilliance, the Aggies couldn’t consistently produce offensive results to match their defense, which was often stellar but didn’t have the offensive firepower to back it up.

Additionally, Texas A&M’s special teams and overall depth were inconsistent, further complicating the team’s ability to build a competitive edge in the highly challenging SEC West. Though the Aggies were capable of hanging with some of the top teams in the nation, they lacked the necessary consistency to crack the Top 25 rankings.

Ultimately, Texas A&M finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, falling short of a berth in a major bowl game. With such a record, it was no surprise that the Aggies were excluded from the final Coaches’ Poll for the 2024 season, which was heavily influenced by both team performance and national perception. While Texas A&M still has significant talent on its roster, this season was a reminder of the gap that exists between them and the true top-tier programs in college football.

2. Factors Contributing to Texas A&M’s Absence from the Top 25

The reasons behind Texas A&M’s exclusion from the final US LBM Coaches’ Top 25 for 2024 are multi-faceted, encompassing issues both on and off the field. Below are the key factors that played a role in the Aggies’ inability to secure a spot in the rankings:

Inconsistent Performance in Key Games

A significant issue for Texas A&M in 2024 was its inability to win games that were essential to making a push for the Top 25. Despite a talented roster, the Aggies were unable to secure victories over some of the top programs in the nation.

One of the most critical games that hurt Texas A&M’s ranking was their loss to Alabama early in the season. Although the Aggies fought hard, they were ultimately outmatched by the Crimson Tide. A failure to secure a key win against a perennial powerhouse like Alabama significantly diminished the Aggies’ chances of appearing in the final Coaches’ Poll.

Moreover, losses to other SEC teams like Ole Miss, Auburn, and Mississippi State further hurt the Aggies’ standing. These losses, often in games that were competitive but still ended in defeat, suggested that Texas A&M was still a few steps behind the upper-echelon teams in the SEC.

Lack of Offensive Consistency

Throughout the 2024 season, Texas A&M’s offense remained one of the team’s biggest questions. The Aggies were once again plagued by quarterback issues, with Conner Weigman showing promise at times but still struggling to consistently produce at a high level. While Weigman demonstrated some flashes of brilliance, especially with his mobility and playmaking ability, the lack of continuity at the quarterback position hurt the offense’s overall performance.

This lack of offensive cohesion was further compounded by the Aggies’ inability to generate a reliable running game. While Texas A&M has long prided itself on physical play in the trenches, the 2024 season saw a lack of productivity from the running backs, making the offense one-dimensional and easier to defend. Without the ability to consistently control the line of scrimmage or create explosive plays, the Aggies struggled to compete with high-powered offenses.

The result was a significant drop-off in scoring. Texas A&M averaged only 25.4 points per game, a mark that placed them well below other teams in the SEC and nationally. In a conference that boasts some of the best offenses in the country, such a low-scoring average made it nearly impossible for the Aggies to remain competitive at the highest level.

Coaching Uncertainty

Another key factor that contributed to the Aggies’ exclusion from the final Coaches’ Poll was coaching instability. While Jimbo Fisher has been at the helm since 2018, there have been growing questions about his ability to consistently lead Texas A&M to the top of the SEC. Fisher’s tenure has been marked by high expectations that have often gone unfulfilled. His inability to secure a consistent and efficient offensive scheme, particularly at the quarterback position, has left many wondering if the program has plateaued under his leadership.

Despite being highly regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football, Fisher’s offenses have often been underwhelming at Texas A&M. The Aggies’ offensive struggles, coupled with their failure to establish an identity on that side of the ball, have led to increasing pressure on Fisher. As the season went on, there were growing murmurs from fans and analysts alike questioning whether Fisher was the right man to take Texas A&M to the next level.

While Texas A&M’s defense was often one of the best in the SEC, its inability to provide balance on offense created a strain on the team’s overall performance. The Aggies’ struggles in key areas, like quarterback play and offensive line play, combined with inconsistent special teams, left them searching for answers and ultimately contributed to their exclusion from the Coaches’ Top 25.

Competitive Landscape in the SEC

The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee consistently among the top-ranked teams. With several of these teams vying for playoff spots and national championships, the competition for spots in the Coaches’ Poll is incredibly fierce.

In 2024, Texas A&M found itself unable to break through the established powerhouses in the SEC, despite their strong recruiting classes and talented roster. The Aggies’ lack of wins against top-tier competition, combined with their struggles to assert themselves on both sides of the ball, kept them from making a real push for a top-25 ranking. As a result, Texas A&M’s absence from the final Coaches’ Poll was a direct consequence of the overwhelming strength of other SEC teams.

3. The Road Ahead for Texas A&M Football

The absence of Texas A&M from the final US LBM Coaches’ Top 25 for 2024 is a significant blow to the program, but it also presents an opportunity for change and growth. The Aggies will need to take stock of their current situation and figure out how to improve both in the short and long term.

Rebuilding the Offense

One of the first areas that Texas A&M will need to address is its offense. While the Aggies’ defense has been a strength in recent years, their inability to consistently put points on the board has held them back from truly competing at the highest level. Texas A&M will need to focus on improving its quarterback play, which will require a combination of better development, better offensive line play, and potentially a new offensive scheme. Recruiting a reliable and dynamic quarterback could also play a huge role in the program’s future success.

Stability in Coaching

In addition to addressing offensive issues, Texas A&M will need to ensure stability in the coaching ranks. Whether it’s through retaining Jimbo Fisher or exploring new leadership, the Aggies need a clear vision moving forward. Consistency in coaching is key to player development, recruiting, and ultimately achieving long-term success.

Recruiting for the Future

The Aggies have consistently brought in high-quality recruits, but they will need to continue focusing on bringing in the best talent available. Texas A&M has the resources and facilities to attract top recruits, but now, more than ever, they need players who can step in and make an immediate impact. If they can recruit well and develop their talent more effectively, they could eventually find themselves back in the Coaches’ Poll, competing for SEC titles and College Football Playoff berths.