Texas A&M Aggies Hold Their Own in the Most Recent AP Poll

The Texas A&M Aggies, once again, find themselves entrenched in the upper echelon of college football, as evidenced by their current standing in the AP Poll. With a 2025 season that has had its share of highs and lows, the Aggies have proven that they can hold their own among the nation’s elite. Whether it’s their dominant defense, a potent rushing attack, or a highly touted recruiting class, the Aggies have positioned themselves as a force in the competitive SEC landscape. In this piece, we’ll break down why the Aggies are where they are in the AP Poll, what has led to their success, and how they can continue to build upon it in the coming weeks.

A Strong Start to the 2025 Season

Texas A&M’s position in the AP Poll reflects the progress they’ve made under head coach Jimbo Fisher’s leadership. Fisher, who has been the head coach since 2018, has built a program that is consistently competitive in the SEC, with notable victories and impressive individual performances each year. However, after a few seasons of near-misses, Texas A&M has finally managed to put it all together, making a case for themselves as one of the premier programs in college football.

At the start of the 2025 season, the Aggies were ranked No. 13 in the preseason AP Poll, and their consistent performance through the first half of the season has helped them maintain a spot in the top 15. While they’ve had a few close calls, their wins have been convincing, and they’ve continued to show improvement in areas that needed attention.

Defensive Dominance

One of the key reasons Texas A&M has been able to stay in the AP Poll’s top 15 is their defense. Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin has turned the Aggies into one of the most difficult defenses to break down in the country. Texas A&M’s defense has been known for its ability to shut down high-powered offenses, and in 2025, they are once again one of the most feared units in college football.

The Aggies have one of the best defensive lines in the SEC, featuring elite pass-rushers who can disrupt any offensive scheme. The defense is headlined by players like Sh’Marion Shockey, McKinnley Jackson, and Edgerrin Cooper, who are expected to be among the top defensive players in the conference. Their ability to create pressure and limit big plays has been crucial in securing wins over some of the toughest teams in the country.

Texas A&M’s secondary has also shown considerable growth. In 2025, the Aggies’ defensive backs have become more aggressive and efficient in coverage, which has allowed them to compete against some of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. This defensive improvement has kept the Aggies in many games, even when the offense has struggled. The defense’s ability to get off the field on third downs and generate turnovers has been a hallmark of Texas A&M’s success this season.

Max Johnson and the Aggies’ Offense

On the offensive side of the ball, Max Johnson has been the steadying force for the Aggies. The veteran quarterback, who transferred to Texas A&M from LSU, has demonstrated poise and leadership, managing the game effectively and putting the team in positions to win. While Johnson may not be the flashiest quarterback in the SEC, he has excelled in crucial moments, leading Texas A&M to several key victories. His accuracy on short and intermediate throws has kept the offense moving efficiently, and his ability to extend plays with his legs adds an extra dimension to the offense.

The Aggies’ offense has also benefited from an improved running game. Texas A&M has always been known for its powerful running attack, and in 2025, they have one of the best rushing units in the conference. Led by Le’Veon Moss, who has become a dominant force in the backfield, the Aggies’ ground game is both explosive and physical. Moss has been the focal point of the offense, using his speed, power, and vision to break long runs and pick up crucial first downs. This balanced offensive approach has been vital to Texas A&M’s success, as it allows them to control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field.

Additionally, the Aggies’ offensive line, which was a point of concern in past seasons, has stepped up in a major way in 2025. The line has given Johnson ample time to throw and created enough running lanes for Moss and his fellow backs to produce. This improvement up front has been a game-changer for Texas A&M, as it has allowed them to play a more balanced and controlled style of football.

Recruiting and Depth

Another important factor contributing to Texas A&M’s rise in the AP Poll is the depth of talent on their roster. Jimbo Fisher’s recruiting efforts have paid off, as the Aggies have one of the most talented teams in the nation. The 2025 recruiting class, which was ranked among the top in the country, brought in a wealth of talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

The infusion of new talent has bolstered Texas A&M’s already talented roster. Freshmen and sophomores have stepped in and contributed immediately, providing depth and competition across all positions. This is especially evident in the trenches, where the Aggies have been able to rotate fresh bodies on both sides of the ball, keeping their players rested and performing at a high level throughout the course of the game.

Texas A&M’s depth has allowed them to withstand injuries and maintain a high level of play even when key players have been sidelined. This depth, combined with their experienced core players, has been one of the biggest reasons for their success in 2025.

Strength of Schedule and Key Wins

Part of the reason Texas A&M has remained in the AP Poll’s top 15 is their strong strength of schedule. The Aggies’ placement in the SEC West means they are constantly battling some of the best teams in the country, and they’ve had to earn every win. The competition within the SEC is fierce, and the Aggies have had to fight tooth and nail to remain relevant in the rankings.

Texas A&M’s key wins over ranked opponents have helped solidify their place in the AP Poll. A victory over a top-10 team in the early part of the season sent a clear message to the college football world: the Aggies are a legitimate contender in the SEC. These victories, paired with their ability to play competitive games against other top teams, have allowed them to remain in the conversation for a potential playoff spot if they continue to win.

While they’ve suffered a few setbacks, including narrow losses to top-tier teams, the Aggies have shown resilience and have been able to bounce back after tough defeats. Their ability to perform in high-pressure situations and against the nation’s best has been a testament to their growth and maturity as a program.

Challenges Ahead

Despite their success, the road ahead for Texas A&M remains challenging. The SEC West is loaded with talent, and the Aggies still have to face some of the toughest teams in college football, including Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss. While Texas A&M has shown they can compete with these teams, they will need to continue to play at a high level to secure their spot in the AP Poll and potentially in the College Football Playoff.

The Aggies will also need to refine their special teams play, which has been inconsistent at times. Missed field goals and penalties on returns have hindered their efforts in some of their more closely contested games. As they approach the latter part of the season, special teams will be a key area to address, as it could be the difference between winning and losing in tightly contested matchups.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, the Texas A&M Aggies are well-positioned to maintain their place among the nation’s top teams for the foreseeable future. The Aggies have a stable coaching staff, an elite recruiting pipeline, and a program that continues to attract top-tier talent. With players like Max Johnson, Le’Veon Moss, and a dominant defense, the Aggies have the pieces in place to contend for SEC titles and national championships.

Moreover, the continued development of younger players and the integration of more talented transfers will allow Texas A&M to remain competitive with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The future of Texas A&M football is bright, and their current standing in the AP Poll reflects the steady progress that the program has made over the past several years.