Eight storylines for Texas A&M football going into its 2025 spring practices

Eight Storylines for Texas A&M Football Heading into 2025 Spring Practices

As the Texas A&M Aggies head into spring practice for the 2025 season, there are a number of key storylines that will shape the team’s future both on and off the field. With expectations high and a fresh sense of optimism surrounding the program, there are plenty of questions, challenges, and opportunities for head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff to address. From player development and depth chart battles to the Aggies’ quest to compete at the highest levels of the SEC, spring practices will serve as a crucial time for building momentum for the upcoming season.

Below are eight major storylines for Texas A&M football as they enter the 2025 spring practices.

1. Quarterback Battle: Who Will Lead the Aggies in 2025?

Perhaps the most important storyline for the Aggies heading into spring practice is the ongoing battle for the quarterback position. Texas A&M has seen some inconsistency at the quarterback position in recent seasons, and Jimbo Fisher will be looking for stability under center as the team prepares for the 2025 campaign.

The competition will be fierce, with Max Johnson, Conner Weigman, and potentially some younger talent vying for the starting role. Max Johnson, a seasoned veteran with experience at LSU, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully seize the starting position. Meanwhile, Conner Weigman, the young and highly touted five-star recruit, will likely get his chance to prove he’s ready to lead the team, especially given the program’s long-term investment in his development.

This spring will be pivotal in determining who will emerge as the starting quarterback, with the potential for Weigman to showcase his skills and perhaps secure a firm hold on the job. Fisher will need to see consistency, leadership, and playmaking ability from his quarterbacks to settle the competition and give the team the best chance at success in 2025.

2. Offensive Line Development: Rebuilding a Dominant Unit

A solid offensive line has always been a hallmark of successful teams, and Texas A&M will need to ensure they can protect their quarterback and create running lanes for their talented backs. The Aggies’ offensive line was inconsistent in previous seasons, and one of the top priorities during spring practice will be to develop a cohesive, dominant line that can match the intensity of the SEC defenses they face.

There are a number of moving parts on the offensive line, with several new faces joining the mix in 2025. The Aggies will need to establish clear starting positions while simultaneously building depth across the unit. The development of veteran players and the integration of new talent will be a key focus. Whether it’s Jared Wiley, a talented tight end who can be used as a blocking asset, or Aki Ogunbiyi, a versatile lineman with upside, the offensive line group must gel to be a force in both the passing and running game.

Fisher and offensive line coach Dustin Fry will work on both improving technique and building chemistry, as the O-line is expected to play a critical role in Texas A&M’s ability to run the ball effectively and protect their quarterback. The better this group performs, the more dangerous the Aggies will become on offense.

3. Running Back Depth: Who Will Be the Lead Back?

While the quarterback battle may grab the headlines, the running back position will be another area to watch closely during spring practices. Texas A&M has traditionally had strong running backs, and this year is no different, as they boast a talented group of running backs vying for playing time in 2025.

Le’Veon Moss, a rising star, will likely be one of the top candidates to assume a bigger role in the running game after showing flashes of brilliance in his freshman season. Additionally, Amari Daniels and Reuben Owens (a highly touted recruit) provide additional depth and potential. With Ainias Smith potentially transitioning to a hybrid role and the possibility of younger talent coming up, the competition for the lead-back spot will be fierce.

Spring practice will give Fisher and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino a chance to evaluate their options, determine who can handle the bulk of carries, and decide how to use these backs effectively in different offensive schemes. Whether Texas A&M goes with a committee approach or if one running back separates themselves from the pack, this position group will be a critical part of the offense.

4. Wide Receiver Room: Developing Playmakers and Creating Separation

With the departure of Ainias Smith and Evan Stewart (who left early for the NFL draft), Texas A&M enters the 2025 season with some uncertainty at the wide receiver position. While there is still talent in the room, including Mohammad Toure, Chris Marshall, and Yulkeith Brown, the Aggies will need to develop consistency and find reliable playmakers who can produce in a high-powered offense.

Chris Marshall, a former blue-chip recruit, has shown flashes of his potential but must take the next step in becoming a top target in the offense. Yulkeith Brown, who has explosive speed, could be a deep threat, but his route running and consistency will need improvement to become a featured part of the offense. Freshman receivers, including Bryce West, will have their chance to prove themselves and possibly crack the rotation.

The spring practices will focus on developing the receiver corps, getting players on the same page with the quarterbacks, and finding creative ways to use these athletes to stretch the field and create separation. The Aggies’ ability to develop their wide receivers will be essential to establishing a dangerous and balanced offensive attack.

5. Defensive Line Dominance: Rebuilding the Aggies’ Strength

The defensive line has been a strength for Texas A&M in recent seasons, and in 2025, it is expected to remain one of the program’s most critical components. However, following the departures of Demani Richardson and other key contributors, Texas A&M will need to reload and ensure they can maintain that level of dominance in the trenches.

Shemar Stewart, Tunmise Adeleye, and McKinnley Jackson are among the standouts who are expected to take on more responsibility in 2025. These players will need to step up and become the leaders of a defensive line that must create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, control the line of scrimmage, and provide support for the Aggies’ linebackers.

During spring practices, **defensive line coach Jimbo Fisher will need to evaluate the depth of the unit, ensure the starters are ready for SEC competition, and build a rotation of defensive linemen who can stay fresh and be disruptive. Maintaining the same level of defensive prowess will be key for the Aggies if they hope to remain competitive in the SEC.

6. Linebacker Corps: Replacing Leadership and Developing Depth

The linebacker unit will be another area of focus during spring practice. With the loss of key players such as Andre White Jr., the Aggies will need to replace both leadership and experience at the linebacker position. However, Texas A&M has several talented linebackers who are ready to take on larger roles in 2025, including Edgerrin Cooper, Martrell Harris, and Chris Russell Jr.

Cooper, in particular, has the potential to become a leader on the defense. His ability to make plays in both the running and passing game makes him one of the most important pieces of the defense heading into 2025. The Aggies also have some younger players, such as Trevor Etienne, who will get a chance to show they can contribute and help add depth to the linebacker corps.

With a potentially new-look linebacker unit, Fisher and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will need to evaluate how well these players can work together, maintain gap integrity, and read opposing offenses. Spring practice will be critical in getting the linebacker group up to speed, especially as they prepare to face the fast-paced, high-powered offenses of the SEC.

7. Secondary: Building a Physical and Disciplined Group

The secondary is another area where Texas A&M will need to continue developing in 2025. While the Aggies have talent in the secondary, the team must ensure they maintain discipline and physicality in coverage, especially with SEC quarterbacks and playmakers coming to town. Jaylon Jones, Terry Price, and Bryce Anderson are among the key returners expected to anchor the defense, but the Aggies will also need to bring along young cornerbacks and safeties to ensure depth.

The Aggie defensive backfield will need to work on its coverage techniques, ball skills, and maintaining tight coverage against high-powered offenses. Spring practices will be important in helping to develop those players who may have less experience but show potential to contribute immediately.

8. Special Teams: Who Will Step Up in Key Positions?

While special teams may not always get the attention it deserves, Texas A&M’s special teams units will play a crucial role in the 2025 season. The Aggies will need to develop a strong kicking game, both for field goals and punts. The team also has to establish reliable returners who can make an impact in the return game. Noah Thomas, a wide receiver, has shown potential as a return man, and special teams coach James Coley will work with players on developing consistency in all phases of the game.

With a new season on the horizon, it will be essential for Texas A&M to shore up their special teams, which can often be the difference-maker in tight games, particularly in the fiercely competitive SEC.