Dave Campbell’s Texas Football predicts Texas A&M to finish 8-4, highlighting several strong contenders from Brazos Valley this season.
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 football season, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football—the state’s premier source for in-depth football analysis and predictions—has released its latest projections and rankings. Their forecast for Texas A&M University projects an 8-4 finish, reflecting a team poised for competitive play but facing some challenges in the grueling SEC schedule. Meanwhile, the Brazos Valley region is spotlighted for producing several promising high school football teams that could make waves in the upcoming high school football season.
Texas A&M’s 2025 Outlook: An 8-4 Season in the Making
Texas A&M’s football program has been on a rebuilding path since the arrival of head coach Mike Elko, who took the reins in 2023. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s 8-4 projection is a sign of growing respect for the team’s talent and coaching staff while also acknowledging the challenges the Aggies will face in the SEC West—arguably the toughest division in college football.
Offense: Strength at Skill Positions, Building on the Offensive Line
The Aggies’ offense looks to be a key strength in 2025. Quarterback Marcel Reed, entering his sophomore year with valuable experience, is expected to lead a balanced attack that blends dynamic passing with a steady ground game. Dave Campbell’s notes highlight Reed’s dual-threat ability as a game-changer who can extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws downfield.
Supporting Reed is a deep stable of wide receivers, including transfers such as KC Concepcion and Mario Craver. These players provide the Aggies with a more diverse and explosive receiving corps than in previous years. On the ground, the running game should benefit from a healthy and cohesive offensive line. Returning starters like tackle Trey Zuhn III and center Mark Nabou Jr. — both known for their physicality and technique — are expected to anchor a line that is essential to both protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for running backs.
The offensive line’s importance cannot be overstated, especially given SEC defenses’ reputation for relentless pressure and speed. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has often emphasized the phrase “offense starts in the trenches,” and Texas A&M’s coaching staff appears to have made that a key focus in training camp and recruiting.
Defense: Building Toward Consistency
Defense remains a work in progress for the Aggies. The 2024 season exposed vulnerabilities in both the pass defense and run stopping. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football projects improvement but expects Texas A&M’s defense to still face challenges against some of the SEC’s elite offenses.
Key returning players such as All-SEC cornerback Will Lee III and linebacker Taurean York provide a foundation for growth. The Aggies have also bolstered their secondary with transfers like Jordan Shaw and Julian Humphrey, aiming to reduce big plays and improve overall coverage.
Defensive coordinator Mike Elko’s move to also call defensive plays should streamline communication and game planning, potentially improving the unit’s cohesiveness.
Schedule Challenges
Texas A&M’s projected 8-4 record is partly a reflection of a difficult SEC schedule. Games against perennial powerhouses such as Alabama, LSU, and Auburn will be tests of both talent and mental toughness. Non-conference matchups offer opportunities for wins, but the team must avoid any slip-ups to reach and exceed expectations.
Brazos Valley High School Football: A Hotbed of Contenders in 2025
While college football captures national attention, Texas high school football remains the lifeblood of the sport’s culture, especially in regions like Brazos Valley. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has highlighted several teams from this area as contenders to watch during the 2025 season, spotlighting the region’s talent pipeline.
West Plains High School
West Plains High School has emerged as a powerhouse in the 4A Division I classification. Ranked No. 2 in Dave Campbell’s preseason rankings, just behind the defending state champion Celina, West Plains looks to make another deep playoff run in 2025.
The team returns several key players, including quarterback Reid Macon, who was named the district’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. The offensive unit also features Kansas State commit Keegan Collins, who anchors the receiving corps and adds a dynamic threat in the passing game.
Defensively, West Plains is expected to maintain its aggressive, disciplined approach that helped it reach the 2024 state semifinals.
Panther Creek High School
Panther Creek has been one of the rising programs in the Brazos Valley region, with a roster featuring several highly-rated recruits.
One of the standout players is four-star wide receiver Jalen Lott, whose performance at the Dave Campbell’s Texas 7-on-7 Tournament in College Station drew significant attention. Known for his exceptional route running and reliable hands, Lott is a top prospect with offers from LSU, Texas, Oregon, and USC.
Lott’s presence gives Panther Creek a dynamic weapon in their passing attack, and the team is expected to leverage his skills to challenge opposing defenses consistently.
Weiss High School
Another Brazos Valley team gaining recognition is Weiss High School, led by four-star wide receiver Tre Moore. Moore, who has offers from programs like Alabama, Texas A&M, and Penn State, displayed great chemistry with quarterback Jaxon Schad during preseason tournaments.
Despite a 1-2 record in the early stages of the season, Moore’s individual talent and leadership make Weiss a team to watch, especially if they can build more consistency around their star players.
Brazos Valley Mustangs (6-Man Football)
In addition to the traditional 11-man football programs, the Brazos Valley Mustangs compete in 6-man football, a variation popular in smaller Texas communities. The Mustangs, while not a traditional high school team, emphasize player development and character-building within a Christian-based program.
Though their competition differs, the Mustangs’ commitment to developing young talent in the region contributes to the overall football culture of Brazos Valley.
What It Means for Texas Football Fans
The convergence of a promising Texas A&M Aggies team and a flourishing high school football scene in Brazos Valley bodes well for football fans in the region. The Aggies’ projected 8-4 season indicates a program on the rise but still hungry to break into the SEC’s upper echelon.
Meanwhile, Brazos Valley’s high school teams are developing players who could very well be future Aggies or other major college prospects. This creates a strong local football ecosystem that fuels excitement year-round.
For recruiting, this is a significant advantage. Texas A&M’s staff can look to nearby Brazos Valley talent, many of whom are already on the radar of major programs, as a natural pipeline for future classes.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s projection of Texas A&M finishing 8-4 in 2025 is a realistic outlook that balances optimism with acknowledgment of the challenges ahead. The Aggies have the talent and coaching staff to compete strongly, but consistency and execution will be key.
On the high school front, Brazos Valley continues to prove itself as a fertile ground for football excellence, with teams like West Plains, Panther Creek, and Weiss positioned to make headlines this fall.
Together, these storylines contribute to an exciting football season ahead in Texas—one that combines the passion of college football with the heart of high school competition.
