Texas A&M Returning Players 2025: Top 5 athletes who will return to Mike Elko’s squad ft. Marcel Reed
As the 2025 season for Texas A&M football approaches, coach Mike Elko has a unique challenge on his hands: continuing to build on the momentum of the program while dealing with the pressure to return to championship contention in the competitive SEC. With a mixture of seasoned veterans and promising young talent returning for another season, the Aggies’ roster has a solid foundation for success. While Texas A&M will certainly be looking to strengthen various positions through recruiting and transfers, the returning players will be pivotal to the team’s aspirations in 2025.
As we look ahead to the next season, let’s examine the top five returning players to watch, including the rising star Marcel Reed, who will play a key role in the future of the Texas A&M program.
1. Marcel Reed – Quarterback
Position: Quarterback
Class: Sophomore
2024 Stats (Projected): 2,500-3,000 passing yards, 20+ touchdowns, 5-7 interceptions
Why He’s Important: Marcel Reed, a highly regarded quarterback out of Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most exciting returning players for Texas A&M in 2025. After a successful freshman season, Reed is poised to take over the reins of the Aggies’ offense and lead the team with an even bigger role. Standing at 6’1″ and 215 pounds, Reed is known for his mobility, arm strength, and ability to make plays under pressure, all of which will be crucial for Mike Elko’s offensive scheme moving forward.
Reed’s freshman campaign showed glimpses of his immense potential. With his experience under his belt and the improvement of his supporting cast, 2025 could be a breakout year for him. Texas A&M fans are eagerly watching how Reed develops into a dynamic leader, particularly with expectations high for the team to compete in the SEC.
As a dual-threat quarterback, Reed not only brings accuracy in the pocket but can also be a weapon on the ground, making him a dangerous asset for opposing defenses. With a year of starting experience and the guidance of a coaching staff that emphasizes development, Reed will be a cornerstone of the Aggies’ offense and is expected to take on a larger role in 2025.
2. Evan Stewart – Wide Receiver
Position: Wide Receiver
Class: Junior
2024 Stats (Projected): 70-80 receptions, 1,100-1,300 receiving yards, 10+ touchdowns
Why He’s Important: Another highly anticipated return for Texas A&M is wide receiver Evan Stewart. A five-star recruit, Stewart has quickly established himself as one of the premier wideouts in the SEC. His speed, agility, and ability to make spectacular catches make him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
In 2024, Stewart put up impressive numbers and displayed why he was considered one of the most elite wide receivers in the country coming out of high school. With a year of experience under his belt, Stewart’s chemistry with quarterback Marcel Reed should only improve, and he is expected to have an even bigger impact in 2025.
His route-running, ability to make plays after the catch, and deep-threat potential will be key to the success of the Texas A&M offense. As the Aggies continue to develop their offensive identity, Stewart will be central to opening up the passing game, giving Reed a reliable target to lean on throughout the season.
3. Jarred Kerr – Safety
Position: Safety
Class: Junior
2024 Stats (Projected): 80-90 tackles, 5-7 interceptions, 1-2 forced fumbles
Why He’s Important: On the defensive side of the ball, Jarred Kerr is one of the most important returning players for Texas A&M. A versatile safety who can play both in the box and in deep coverage, Kerr has the instincts and athleticism to impact the game in a variety of ways. Kerr is known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make timely plays, particularly in pass defense.
In 2024, Kerr was among the Aggies’ leading tacklers, demonstrating his ability to get involved in both the passing and running game. His leadership in the secondary will be essential for the Aggies in 2025, as the team looks to improve defensively and take advantage of his experience.
As the defense looks to continue its growth under Elko’s guidance, Kerr’s presence will be critical in making Texas A&M a formidable unit, capable of defending against high-powered offenses in the SEC.
4. Layden Robinson – Offensive Guard
Position: Offensive Guard
Class: Senior
2024 Stats (Projected): 16-20 starts, 1-2 sacks allowed, high run-blocking efficiency
Why He’s Important: Layden Robinson is another key returning player for the Aggies in 2025. As one of the most important offensive linemen for Texas A&M, Robinson has been a key part of the Aggies’ offensive line, contributing to both the running game and pass protection. His size and strength, standing at 6’4″ and 325 pounds, make him a dominant force at the guard position, and his leadership in the trenches will be essential for the success of the offense in 2025.
Robinson’s impact goes beyond his ability to block defenders; his presence as a leader on the offensive line will help stabilize an area that has often been an Achilles’ heel for the Aggies. As the offensive line continues to evolve and develop chemistry with Reed at quarterback, Robinson will play a pivotal role in ensuring the offense is able to move the ball effectively, whether through the air or on the ground.
5. Walter Nolen – Defensive Tackle
Position: Defensive Tackle
Class: Junior
2024 Stats (Projected): 40-50 tackles, 5-7 sacks, 10-12 tackles for loss
Why He’s Important: One of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory, Walter Nolen has the potential to become one of the best defensive linemen in the country. At 6’4″ and 320 pounds, Nolen is a disruptive force who can change the course of a game with his explosiveness off the line. After a solid freshman season in 2023, Nolen showed that he has the strength and agility to dominate against SEC offensive linemen.
Nolen’s quickness and ability to push the pocket will be crucial for Texas A&M’s defense in 2025. Whether he’s pressuring the quarterback or stuffing the run, Nolen has the potential to be a game-changer on defense. His skill set makes him a threat to opposing offenses, and his leadership up front will be a key factor in the Aggies’ defensive schemes.
Nolen’s continued development will be crucial to Texas A&M’s success in 2025, as he could become one of the top defensive players in the nation.
The Future of Texas A&M Football
As Mike Elko continues to build his program, these five returning players – Marcel Reed, Evan Stewart, Jarred Kerr, Layden Robinson, and Walter Nolen – will be integral to the Aggies’ success in 2025. Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the table, and with a mix of experience and youthful talent, Texas A&M has the potential to be a force in the SEC.
The key for the Aggies will be to develop these players to their full potential while also improving across all areas of the team. With players like Reed at quarterback, Stewart as a playmaker, Kerr and Nolen on defense, and Robinson anchoring the offensive line, the future of Texas A&M football is in good hands. Fans can look forward to an exciting 2025 season, where these players will help drive the Aggies toward an even brighter future.
With Elko at the helm, Texas A&M is poised for a competitive run in the SEC, and these returning players will be essential in making that happen.
