Texas A&M football: 5 under-the-radar breakout candidates for 2025 Aggies
Texas A&M Football: 5 Under-the-Radar Breakout Candidates for 2025 Aggies
As the 2025 Texas A&M Aggies football season draws near, expectations are high, and the pressure is mounting on head coach Jimbo Fisher and his team to perform at a high level. The Aggies, while consistently competitive, have seen their share of ups and downs in recent seasons. However, as always, college football is a game of potential and opportunity, and the 2025 season presents the chance for new stars to rise to the occasion.
One of the most intriguing aspects of college football is the emergence of breakout players, individuals who may not have been in the spotlight previously but emerge as key contributors, sometimes becoming the cornerstones of their team. For Texas A&M, the 2025 roster is filled with under-the-radar players who could take the next step and become major forces in the team’s success.
In this article, we will take a closer look at five under-the-radar breakout candidates for the 2025 Texas A&M Aggies football season. These players may not be household names right now, but their talent, work ethic, and potential make them players to watch for in the coming season.
1. LB Edgerrin Cooper
Position: Linebacker
Class: Junior (2025)
Why He Could Break Out:
In recent years, Edgerrin Cooper has quietly developed into one of the most promising linebackers on the Aggies’ defense. Though not yet a household name, the junior linebacker is on the brink of making a significant impact in the 2025 season. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 230 pounds, Cooper has the size and athleticism to be a versatile weapon for defensive coordinator DJ Durkin.
Cooper’s potential is largely untapped, and much of his success in 2025 will depend on how he capitalizes on the opportunity for more playing time. With A&M’s defense looking to bounce back from some inconsistent performances, Cooper could emerge as a leader in the linebacker corps, especially with the departure of key veterans.
What Makes Cooper Special:
Cooper has consistently shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time. He’s known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, ability to read plays, and tenacious tackling. In particular, his instincts and ability to diagnose plays in real-time could make him one of the most valuable players in the front seven for the Aggies.
In 2024, Cooper had his best season to date, recording multiple tackles for loss, and he also showed his versatility by contributing in coverage situations. With the Aggies poised to face tough SEC competition, a breakout season from Cooper could make him a key player and a potential NFL prospect after the 2025 season.
2. WR Micah Tease
Position: Wide Receiver
Class: Sophomore (2025)
Why He Could Break Out:
Wide receiver is one of the most highly contested positions on the Texas A&M roster, but Micah Tease is an intriguing player who could make a name for himself in the 2025 season. Coming off a freshman year where he showed glimpses of his potential, Tease is a player with the ability to stretch the field, create separation, and make spectacular catches in high-pressure situations.
At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Tease is an explosive athlete with remarkable speed and agility. His ability to get in and out of breaks quickly allows him to create separation from defenders, making him a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Despite a crowded receiving corps, Tease could stand out in 2025 with his ability to get open and make plays in both the slot and as an outside receiver.
What Makes Tease Special:
Tease was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school, and he’s demonstrated his skillset in practice and limited game reps. What makes Tease stand out is his ability to create big plays in a variety of ways. Whether it’s on deep routes, quick slants, or in the open field, Tease has the tools to be an immediate difference-maker.
If he can continue to improve his consistency and become a reliable target for the quarterback, Tease could emerge as a primary target for the Aggies’ passing attack. In 2025, with a potential quarterback shake-up, Tease could become a go-to option in the Aggies’ evolving offense.
3. DE Donnell Harris
Position: Defensive End
Class: Junior (2025)
Why He Could Break Out:
On the defensive line, Donnell Harris has the potential to break out in 2025 and become a disruptive force for the Aggies. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Harris has the prototypical size to be an elite pass rusher. While he has been somewhat overshadowed by other players in the defensive front, 2025 could be his time to shine.
Harris has the physical tools to be an all-conference performer. His strength, length, and speed allow him to challenge offensive linemen and disrupt quarterbacks in the pocket. In a conference like the SEC, where elite offensive lines are commonplace, Harris’ ability to win battles at the line of scrimmage will be crucial for the Aggies’ defensive success.
What Makes Harris Special:
Harris is known for his quick first step and his ability to explode off the line of scrimmage. He can collapse the pocket with his strength and his combination of power and speed makes him difficult for tackles to handle. If he can continue to refine his technique and become more consistent in terms of generating sacks and pressures, Harris has the potential to lead the Aggies in quarterback hurries and become one of the top pass rushers in the SEC.
As the Aggies look to improve their defensive play in 2025, Harris could play a pivotal role in their ability to generate pressure and force opposing quarterbacks into difficult situations.
4. RB Reuben Owens
Position: Running Back
Class: Freshman (2025)
Why He Could Break Out:
The running back position is one of the most critical on the field for Texas A&M. After some turnover in the backfield, Reuben Owens is poised to make an immediate impact as the featured running back for the Aggies in 2025. Owens, a highly touted 5-star recruit coming out of high school, has the ideal blend of speed, power, and vision that could elevate the Aggies’ running game to new heights.
While Texas A&M has had talented running backs in recent seasons, Owens could be the player who takes the reins in 2025 and becomes the focal point of the offense. With his elite combination of size and agility, Owens has the potential to run between the tackles and explode on the outside with his speed.
What Makes Owens Special:
Owens is known for his vision, balance, and breakaway speed. As a high school star, he demonstrated the ability to take over games with his versatility and make plays in all areas of the field. Whether it’s rushing the ball, catching passes out of the backfield, or protecting the quarterback in the passing game, Owens has the potential to be an all-around weapon for Texas A&M.
With the Aggies looking for a lead back to take over the running game, Owens could emerge as a workhorse back, making a significant impact as a true freshman. If he can adjust to the college game quickly and show consistency, Owens could put up big numbers and make himself one of the premier running backs in the SEC.
5. S Bryce Anderson
Position: Safety
Class: Sophomore (2025)
Why He Could Break Out:
In the secondary, Bryce Anderson is a player to keep an eye on for the 2025 season. As a sophomore, Anderson will be entering his second year with the Aggies, and after seeing some early playing time in 2024, he could have the chance to take his game to the next level. Anderson has the ability to be a playmaker in the secondary and is an important part of the Aggies’ defense moving forward.
At 6-foot, Anderson has the range and coverage skills to be a standout safety in the SEC. Whether it’s defending the pass or coming up in run support, Anderson has the skill set to make an impact all over the field. In 2025, he will likely be called upon to step up as a leader in the back end of the defense, particularly as the Aggies look to solidify their defensive unit.
What Makes Anderson Special:
Anderson’s ability to cover ground quickly, diagnose plays, and anticipate routes is what sets him apart. He is a versatile defender who can play both deep and in the box, providing valuable flexibility for the defense. His combination of athleticism and football IQ makes him a potential star safety for the Aggies, capable of making key plays in crucial moments.
If Anderson can continue to develop his game and gain confidence in his second season, he could emerge as a leader in the Texas A&M secondary, helping the Aggies stay competitive in the high-powered SEC.
