Former QB Greg McElroy believes Texas A&M Aggies have a real chance to emerge as a serious threat in SEC.

As college football fans look ahead to the 2025 season, few teams have as much intrigue surrounding them as the Texas A&M Aggies. With a history of promise that too often has gone unfulfilled, the Aggies once again find themselves at a crossroads. This time, however, they’ve caught the attention of one of college football’s most respected analysts: former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN broadcaster Greg McElroy.

McElroy, who played under Nick Saban and knows firsthand what it takes to compete in the brutal gauntlet of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), recently remarked that Texas A&M could “threaten” in the SEC this season. His comments were more than just an offhanded compliment — they were a nod to the changes unfolding in College Station and the rising potential of a program that has too often underachieved relative to its talent.

But what makes McElroy so confident? And what exactly must happen for Texas A&M to live up to that billing?

Let’s dive into the details.

A New Era Under Mike Elko

Perhaps the most significant factor shaping Texas A&M’s potential in 2025 is the hiring of Mike Elko as head coach. Elko, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Aggies before taking the head job at Duke, returned to College Station in late 2024 to replace Jimbo Fisher following a disappointing and turbulent stretch.

Elko brings with him not just familiarity with the program, but also a reputation as a culture-builder and defensive mastermind. His tenure at Duke was marked by a rapid turnaround, where he led the Blue Devils to multiple upsets and competitive showings despite being outmatched on paper. For a Texas A&M team that has struggled with consistency, discipline, and identity, Elko’s leadership offers a chance at stability and vision.

Greg McElroy cited Elko’s arrival as a primary reason for optimism. “This is a guy who understands the SEC, understands the expectations at A&M, and more importantly, knows how to coach defense at a high level,” McElroy said. “If the offense takes even a modest step forward, this is a team that can absolutely make noise.”

The Quarterback Question: Is Conner Weigman the Real Deal?

No team threatens in the SEC without high-level quarterback play, and this is where much of the Aggies’ hope resides: in the arm and potential of Conner Weigman.

Weigman, a former five-star recruit, showed promise as a freshman before being sidelined due to injury. In 2024, his season was marred by inconsistency and offensive turmoil amid a revolving door at coordinator positions and an underperforming offensive line. Now, with a year of experience and renewed health, Weigman has a chance to prove why he was so highly touted coming out of high school.

McElroy expressed optimism in Weigman’s upside. “He’s got all the tools,” McElroy said. “Good footwork, a strong arm, composure — but what he needs is structure, and I think Elko’s staff will give him that. If he stays healthy and the line holds up, this kid can compete with anyone in the conference.”

Transfer Portal Reload

Texas A&M has been one of the more active teams in the transfer portal, both out of necessity and strategy. While they lost key contributors like Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton to the NFL Draft, they also gained critical reinforcements — particularly on offense.

The additions of wide receivers Kevin Concepcion (NC State), Mario Craver, and Jonah Wilson have provided Weigman with more dynamic options in the passing game. The arrival of former Alabama tight end Amari Niblack adds another layer of versatility. Niblack, a mismatch nightmare, is expected to be a central figure in the Aggies’ red zone and third-down packages.

On the defensive side, Texas A&M brought in depth and speed to replenish the front seven and bolster the secondary. Though they lost a few veterans to graduation and the pros, their transfer class ranks among the best in the SEC. The result is a roster that might not yet be elite from top to bottom, but certainly capable of challenging the conference’s upper echelon.

The SEC West Power Shift

Alabama is reloading under new leadership following the retirement of Nick Saban. LSU remains dangerous, but questions around consistency and defense persist. Auburn is improving under Hugh Freeze but still a work in progress. Ole Miss continues to score in bunches, but struggles with defensive lapses. In this transitional moment within the SEC West, Texas A&M’s timing may be ideal.

McElroy noted that the gap between the top and middle tiers of the SEC is thinner than it’s been in recent years. “The elite tier is vulnerable,” he said. “Georgia is still the favorite overall, but after that, there’s opportunity. Alabama isn’t the monolith it once was, LSU is beatable, and Texas A&M, if it gets its act together, could take advantage.”

That opportunity is especially pressing now that Texas joins the SEC, reigniting a historic rivalry with the Aggies. The two programs haven’t met on the field since 2011, but the rivalry’s intensity has only grown. Their late-season clash could not only impact bragging rights across the state but also serve as a de facto playoff play-in.

Keys to Contending

While the optimism is real, so too are the hurdles. Texas A&M has been hyped before, only to fall short. If this season is to be different, several things must go right:

1. Offensive Line Cohesion
The offensive line has been a source of concern for the last few years. Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of depth have all contributed to poor performance in critical moments. In the SEC, where defensive fronts are often elite, protection is non-negotiable. A unit that can stay healthy and gel could unlock the Aggies’ offense.

2. Weigman’s Health and Development
If Conner Weigman takes the next step — from potential to production — the Aggies will be in every game. His decision-making, poise, and durability will be closely watched all season.

3. Defensive Toughness
Mike Elko’s defense will be counted on to carry the team at times. With fast-paced SEC offenses, it’s vital that the Aggies’ defense can create turnovers and get off the field on third downs. Expect plenty of emphasis on fundamentals and physicality.

4. Coaching Chemistry
A new staff takes time to gel. But Elko has surrounded himself with experienced, high-IQ assistants. If the staff can communicate effectively and make quick in-game adjustments, it will go a long way toward keeping the Aggies competitive.

What Would Success Look Like?

For a program like Texas A&M, which hasn’t won a conference championship since 1998, expectations are both high and patient. But 2025 doesn’t necessarily need to end with a title for the season to be a success.

A 10-win season, a top-10 finish, and a competitive showing in the SEC Championship or a New Year’s Six bowl would signal that the Aggies are finally on the right track. More importantly, it would confirm that Elko is the right coach and that the foundation is solid moving forward.

Greg McElroy’s endorsement of Texas A&M as a legitimate SEC contender isn’t just media filler — it’s a considered opinion from someone who knows championship DNA. While it’s easy to be skeptical given the program’s recent past, there’s something different in the air at College Station.

The right coach. A talented quarterback. Depth at skill positions. An aggressive defense. And a wide-open SEC landscape.

All the ingredients are there.

Now it’s up to Texas A&M to put it all together.

As the season nears, McElroy’s words echo a truth Aggie fans have been waiting to hear validated from the outside: Texas A&M may finally be ready not just to compete — but to truly threaten in the SEC.