Former QB Says Texas A&M Aggies Have Chance to ‘Threaten’ in SEC

In a now even more competitive SEC after last year’s additions of Texas and Oklahoma, it feels the Texas A&M Aggies are flying under the radar heading into 2025. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that they suffered a disappointing finish to last season, winning just one of their last five games.

Or they are just being flat-out underrated. Former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy certainly seems to think that the Aggies are being overlooked. During a recent episode of his “Always College Football” podcast, he revealed his belief in the Aggies, saying they should be “sitting pretty.”

What a difference an offseason makes. Coming out of last season, the biggest question on everyone’s mind about the Aggies was whether or not they could surround quarterback Marcel Reed with ample playmakers. The passing game was a weakness for Texas A&M last season, that is even after the change at quarterback from Conner Weigman to Reed was made.

Now after an offseason where the Aggies went hard in the portal, landing three receivers and a tight end to build around Reed, many are expecting the offense to take a step forward.

Meanwhile, the question marks have shifted over to the defensive side of the ball, where they lost their top three defensive linemen from last season, all to the NFL Draft, and will now look to replace them. The loss of their top pass rushers only bring about more questions for a Texas A&M pass defense that struggled last season.

In their season-ending loss to USC, the pass defense was a subject that drew ire from Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko. He ranted in frustration about his team’s inability to stop the “forward pass.” That served as a prelude to the offseason, where the Aggies brought in help via the portal at defensive back.

All of that is on top of Elko’s first full class being signed, as he brings in the nation’s No. 9 ranked class, as he hopes to build off his first season in College Station.

Texas A&M Aggies have long been a prominent program within the SEC, and a veteran quarterback analyst recently emphasized that the team possesses a genuine opportunity to “threaten” the conference’s traditional powers in the upcoming seasons. Drawing from his extensive experience and deep understanding of college football dynamics, he highlighted that with strategic development, key player progression, and the right coaching adjustments, the Aggies can elevate their national standing and challenge the status quo dominated by Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others. This perspective underscores the program’s rising potential, emphasizing that Texas A&M’s talent pool, recruiting momentum, and infrastructure improvements position them to become a formidable force within the SEC. As college football continues to evolve, this veteran analyst believes that the Aggies’ window for real contention is opening wider than ever, and with focused execution, they could soon be a serious threat to conference supremacy and national postseason ambitions.

Building on this optimistic outlook, the analyst pointed out that Texas A&M’s recent recruiting classes have been some of the best in program history, bringing in elite talent across key positions, particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and on the defensive front. This influx of high-caliber athletes creates a foundation for sustained success, especially when paired with the strategic vision of head coach Jimbo Fisher, who has emphasized developing a balanced, physically dominant team.

The veteran analyst underscored that Texas A&M’s recruiting efforts have positioned them to compete at the highest levels within the SEC, with recent classes featuring top-tier talent that can significantly impact both sides of the ball. The team’s depth at skill positions, especially in the skill positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker, provides the versatility and explosiveness needed to challenge traditional powerhouses. Additionally, the program’s investment in facilities and support staff has created an environment conducive to player development, giving Aggies a competitive edge when it comes to preparing for high-stakes SEC battles. The analyst emphasized that with continued growth and strategic adjustments—such as refining their offensive schemes, improving defensive consistency, and fostering leadership among key players—the Aggies can bridge the gap that currently exists between them and the SEC’s top-tier teams. He pointed out that in college football, momentum and confidence can be pivotal, and Texas A&M’s recent trajectory suggests they are entering a phase where they can emerge as serious contenders, capable of “threatening” the established order. The combination of talent, infrastructure, and coaching acumen creates a compelling case that the Aggies are on the verge of becoming a team that others in the SEC must reckon with, especially as they aim to make a run for conference titles and national prominence.