Aggie Gameday Extra Podcast: What are the main football and basketball questions facing Texas A&M?

As the Texas A&M Aggies continue to rise in prominence within college sports, the program faces a host of questions and challenges that will shape its future. Whether it’s about football or basketball, the expectations for the Aggies remain high, and the upcoming seasons will be pivotal in determining their trajectory. In this edition of the Aggie Gameday Extra Podcast, we delve into the major football and basketball questions that Texas A&M must address to maintain its competitive edge in the SEC and beyond.

1. Football Questions: Can Texas A&M Compete at a National Level?

Texas A&M football has been one of the most consistent programs in college football, but the Aggies have struggled to break through and establish themselves as true national contenders. With an outstanding recruiting class under head coach Jimbo Fisher, the expectations are high, but the team must prove it can translate talent into victories and, ultimately, championships.

The Quarterback Conundrum

One of the most pressing questions facing Texas A&M is the quarterback position. Quarterback play is often the deciding factor for teams competing at the highest levels, and for the Aggies, it has been a question mark over the past few seasons. Since the departure of former starter Kellen Mond, Texas A&M has seen inconsistent play at the position, leading to questions about who will step up in 2025.

Currently, the two primary candidates for the starting role are Conner Weigman and Max Johnson. Weigman, a highly touted freshman from the 2023 class, has shown flashes of brilliance in practice and limited game action, while Max Johnson, the experienced transfer from LSU, has played in big games but has not fully impressed yet. Fisher must decide whether to go with the promising youth of Weigman or the more seasoned leadership of Johnson. Whichever direction the Aggies go, the quarterback position must be solidified for the team to compete in the ever-competitive SEC.

Can Jimbo Fisher’s Offensive Scheme Find Consistency?

Jimbo Fisher’s offense has had its ups and downs since he arrived at Texas A&M, and the program is still trying to establish a high-flying, efficient attack. After a few years of inconsistent offensive performances, Fisher and his staff need to find a rhythm, particularly in the passing game. The Aggies have an abundance of talent at wide receiver and in the backfield, but the offense often lacked consistency and explosiveness, leading to frustrating losses.

The big question for Texas A&M is whether Fisher’s offense can evolve to meet the changing demands of modern college football. Fisher is known for his pro-style attack, but the landscape of college football is changing with an increased emphasis on up-tempo, spread offenses. Can Fisher balance his traditional style with the current trends in college football? If the Aggies can unlock the full potential of their offense, they will be a much more dangerous team in 2025.

Defensive Growth and Depth

On defense, Texas A&M has been one of the top units in the country over the past few seasons, and they are expected to continue that trend in 2025. The Aggies boast one of the most talented defensive lines in the SEC, including standout players like DeMarvin Leal and Antonio Johnson. However, depth and consistency remain key concerns. Injuries to key defensive players in 2024 showed how fragile the defense can be, and the Aggies will need to ensure they have adequate depth across the defensive line and in the secondary.

The linebacker position is another area where Texas A&M must improve. While the defensive line may be one of the best in the SEC, the linebackers must step up and consistently make plays. If the defense remains as elite as it has been in recent seasons, it will be a major factor in the Aggies’ pursuit of an SEC title and a possible College Football Playoff berth.

2. Basketball Questions: Can Texas A&M Basketball Break Through in the SEC?

While Texas A&M football garners the most attention, the Aggies’ basketball program is also on the rise. Buzz Williams has brought a new energy to the team, and with an influx of talented recruits, the basketball program is poised to make a splash in the SEC. However, there are still plenty of questions that need to be answered if Texas A&M is to break through as a major contender.

Who Will Step Up as the Go-To Scorer?

As Texas A&M enters the 2025 season, one of the most pressing questions is who will emerge as the go-to scorer for the Aggies? The team has several talented players, but it is unclear who will consistently step up and take over when games are on the line. In past seasons, A&M has had a solid but often spread-out offensive attack, with no clear primary scorer. While Wade Taylor IV and Henry Coleman have shown potential to lead the offense, the Aggies need one player to consistently take control of the game offensively.

In the competitive world of SEC basketball, having a dynamic playmaker who can take over games is crucial. If Texas A&M can find that player, they will become a much more dangerous team. A standout scorer would allow the Aggies to compete with the likes of Kentucky, Arkansas, and Alabama, teams that regularly feature superstar players who can win games with their individual talent.

Can Buzz Williams Get the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament?

Buzz Williams has steadily turned around the Texas A&M program, but the ultimate question for the Aggies is whether he can take them to the NCAA Tournament and beyond. While Williams has assembled a solid roster, the team has yet to truly break through and become a perennial contender in the SEC. In recent years, the Aggies have been on the bubble for NCAA Tournament bids but have struggled to secure a spot.

In 2025, Texas A&M will need to prove it can compete consistently with the top-tier programs in the SEC. With the conference’s strength, making the tournament will require the Aggies to put together a full and consistent season. Williams’ ability to develop his players and manage the team throughout the season will be crucial in ensuring Texas A&M finally punches its ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

Depth and Defensive Consistency

One of the key aspects of Buzz Williams’ coaching philosophy is defensive consistency. Texas A&M has made strides in improving its defense under Williams, but the question remains: can the Aggies develop the depth and consistency needed to compete with the best in the SEC? Texas A&M has some elite defensive players, but they must ensure that the whole team buys into the defensive schemes on a night-in, night-out basis.

Defensive consistency will be key, especially in the high-paced and competitive SEC. Teams like Alabama and Tennessee can score in bunches, so Texas A&M will need to buckle down on defense to stay competitive. The Aggies also need to develop bench depth, as injuries and fatigue can be major factors during the grind of the SEC season. The better A&M can develop its bench and maintain defensive consistency, the more successful they will be.

3. Cross-Sport Comparisons and Organizational Growth

The comparison between Texas A&M football and basketball highlights a broader question facing the athletic program: Can Texas A&M grow and compete on a national level across all sports? While football dominates the landscape, basketball, baseball, and even track and field have also seen significant progress in recent years. As the Aggies continue to invest in their athletic facilities and coaching staff, the focus should also be on fostering cross-sport growth and ensuring that each program has the support it needs to succeed.

The Aggies’ athletic department has made strides in providing the resources necessary for success, and the growing interest in basketball, particularly under Buzz Williams, shows that Texas A&M can be a competitive force in multiple sports. As the school continues to attract top-tier talent and enhance its facilities, Texas A&M could emerge as a true powerhouse across the athletic landscape, much like schools such as Florida and Georgia.