Will Mike Elko’s Texas A&M Aggies Take a Significant Step Back in Year Two?

When Mike Elko took the reins as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 season, there were a lot of expectations for him to turn around a defense that had underperformed in recent years. The Aggies, loaded with talent on the defensive side of the ball, struggled to find consistency, and Elko was seen as the solution. However, as the 2024 season approaches and Elko enters his second year in College Station, questions have begun to emerge: Will the Aggies take a step back in year two?

In college football, year two for a head coach or coordinator is often a critical juncture. The honeymoon phase is over, and there’s a heightened sense of urgency to either continue building on early successes or avoid stagnation. For Elko, the success or failure of the 2024 season could have a significant impact on his future and the trajectory of Texas A&M football.

This article will examine several factors that will influence the Aggies’ performance in 2024—recruiting, defensive consistency, quarterback play, and the ever-present challenge of the SEC West. Will Elko’s defensive schemes continue to improve, or will Texas A&M fall short of expectations? Here’s a look at what could shape the Aggies’ 2024 season.

Elko’s Year One: Progress or Plateaus?

To understand the stakes for Elko in 2024, it’s important to evaluate his first year at Texas A&M. Elko took over a defense that had been inconsistent and prone to giving up big plays. The Aggies, despite possessing a wealth of talent, ranked in the middle of the pack in many statistical categories in 2022. A defense that had been expected to contend for national recognition had failed to meet expectations.

In 2023, under Elko’s leadership, Texas A&M’s defense showed clear signs of improvement. The Aggies finished in the top 30 nationally in several defensive metrics, including total defense, passing defense, and red-zone defense. Notably, Elko’s defensive front played more aggressively, creating pressure and forcing turnovers, which was a marked improvement from previous years.

However, the defense still had its share of struggles, particularly against high-powered offenses in the SEC West. Texas A&M lost games to high-ranked teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, where defensive lapses played a critical role. The Aggies allowed big plays at inopportune moments, and the defense sometimes faltered in key situations, such as third downs or in the red zone. This inconsistency raised questions about whether the improvements Elko made were enough to make Texas A&M a legitimate contender in the SEC.

The hope for 2024 is that Elko can build on the progress made in year one. With another full offseason to refine his defensive schemes and continue developing talent, the expectation is that the defense will become a top-tier unit. However, the question remains: Can Elko continue to build on the foundation he laid in year one, or will the Aggies’ defense regress?

Recruiting: A Vital Piece for Year Two

One of the key factors that could determine whether the Aggies take a step forward or a step back in 2024 is recruiting. Elko has had significant success in recruiting top-tier defensive talent during his tenure, and the 2024 recruiting class is expected to continue that trend.

In his first year, Elko’s recruiting efforts brought in several highly ranked prospects, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary. These players are expected to contribute right away, providing a boost to the depth and overall talent on defense. Defensive linemen like Shemar Stewart and Evan Stewart, who were already making waves as freshmen in 2023, are poised to have even bigger roles in 2024. With the addition of new recruits, Elko’s defense should become deeper and more talented.

Elko’s ability to keep up with recruiting in the SEC is essential for the Aggies to remain competitive. In 2024, Texas A&M’s defense will rely not just on returning players but also on the newcomers who will step into significant roles. As recruits mature and adjust to the speed of college football, Elko will need to mold these young talents into contributors who can make an immediate impact.

However, recruiting in the SEC is never a guarantee, especially with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently pulling in elite classes. Elko’s ability to secure defensive playmakers and continue his recruiting momentum will be critical for the Aggies to remain competitive in the trenches and in the secondary.

Quarterback Play: A Key to Success

While Mike Elko is undoubtedly focused on building a dominant defense, the success of the Aggies’ offense will play a significant role in determining the team’s overall performance in 2024. Texas A&M has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position in recent years, and in a high-octane SEC environment, it’s impossible to win consistently without solid play at quarterback.

Heading into 2024, Max Johnson—who started a portion of the 2023 season—is expected to be the leader under center for Texas A&M. Johnson, a transfer from LSU, brings experience, but he has shown a tendency to be inconsistent at times. He has the arm talent and mobility to make plays, but he needs to improve his decision-making and reduce mistakes. The Aggies will also have young, talented quarterbacks in the mix, including Conner Weigman, who flashed potential in limited appearances during the 2023 season.

Elko’s defense will benefit greatly from an offense that can sustain drives and put up points, meaning that whoever wins the starting quarterback job will need to play at a high level. A solid quarterback performance could alleviate some of the pressure on Elko’s defense, which will need to deal with the explosive offenses in the SEC West. Conversely, inconsistent quarterback play could force the defense to shoulder too much of the load, which may lead to more mistakes and ultimately could affect the team’s overall success.

The importance of quarterback play in 2024 cannot be overstated. The Aggies have talent on offense, including playmakers like Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Reuben Owens. If the quarterback can get the ball to these athletes and keep the defense off the field, Elko’s unit could be more effective, making it easier to win games in a tough conference.

Challenges in the SEC West

Perhaps the biggest obstacle Texas A&M will face in 2024 is the continued strength of the SEC West, one of the most competitive and difficult divisions in all of college football. Teams like Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State will continue to pose significant challenges, and the Aggies will need to perform at their highest level to compete for division titles.

In particular, Texas A&M’s annual matchups against Alabama and LSU are likely to define their season. These teams, year in and year out, are consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation, and each will present unique challenges for Elko’s defense. While Elko has shown the ability to create game plans that can stop potent offenses, he will have to prove that he can consistently win these high-stakes games. If the Aggies falter in these matchups, it could derail their season before they even have a chance to make a run at a CFP spot.

Additionally, the depth and quality of SEC offenses means that Texas A&M’s defense will need to maintain its focus throughout the season. While the Aggies have the talent to compete, the schedule is grueling, and injuries or inconsistent play could easily lead to a step back in 2024.

Looking Ahead: The Aggies’ Road to Success in 2024

Ultimately, whether Mike Elko’s Texas A&M Aggies take a significant step back in year two hinges on a variety of factors—defensive consistency, quarterback play, recruiting, and the sheer difficulty of competing in the SEC West. Elko’s system has shown flashes of brilliance, and with an offseason to refine his approach and develop young talent, the Aggies could make a significant leap in 2024.

However, questions remain. Can Max Johnson or Conner Weigman lead the offense to greater success, or will the quarterback position continue to be a liability? Can Elko’s defense hold up in the face of the explosive offenses they’ll face in the SEC West? The pieces are in place for Texas A&M to take a significant step forward, but there is also the potential for regression if key issues are not addressed.

As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Elko to see whether he can continue to build on the momentum of year one, or whether the challenges of the SEC West and the need for continued offensive growth will force Texas A&M to take a step back. Time will tell, but one thing is certain: The Aggies’ 2024 season will be one of the most critical in recent memory.