Texas A&M QB Says He Felt Comfortable Last Year, Now Embraces Collin Klein’s Scheme Heading Into 2025 Season Confidently

In the world of college football, the relationship between a quarterback and his offensive coordinator can define a season. For Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, the arrival of offensive coordinator Collin Klein has sparked fresh energy—and added clarity—heading into the 2025 season. Reed, a promising talent with a high ceiling, spoke candidly during fall camp about how Klein’s system has elevated his confidence and comfort level on the field.

“I was comfortable last year,” Reed admitted. “But now, it feels like I’m in a scheme that really plays to my strengths.”

Reed’s comments came on the heels of his breakout performance in spring practices, where coaches and teammates alike praised his improved decision-making and deeper understanding of the playbook. While the Aggies endured an up-and-down 2024 campaign, the emergence of Reed as a potential long-term answer under center has given the fan base hope—and the coaching staff plenty to build upon.

Klein’s Impact on Reed

Collin Klein, who came to Texas A&M after revitalizing Kansas State’s offense, brings a reputation for tailoring schemes to fit the abilities of his quarterbacks. For Reed, that customization has been key.

“He’s simplified things without dumbing it down,” Reed explained. “There’s a lot of motion, a lot of movement, and a lot of chances for me to be creative—either with my legs or my arm.”

The biggest improvement? According to Reed, it’s how he sees the field. Klein’s film sessions have emphasized anticipation and understanding defensive rotations, allowing Reed to diagnose coverages pre-snap and adjust on the fly.

“Coach Klein demands a lot, but he teaches every detail. We break down film until I can practically guess the safety rotation before the ball’s even snapped,” Reed said with a smile.

What the Numbers Say

While Reed’s 2024 stats—2,370 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 9 interceptions—were modest, they don’t fully reflect his growth, particularly behind a young and injured offensive line. His dual-threat ability was on full display, as he added 520 rushing yards and 6 scores on the ground.

With a more experienced line and an offense designed around tempo and spacing, the Aggies hope those numbers will jump in 2025. Early scrimmage reports suggest Reed’s deep-ball accuracy has improved, and his pocket presence—often a weak point early in his career—looks far more composed.

“He’s becoming a quarterback who can win you games,” said one source within the program. “Not just manage them.”

Building Chemistry with Playmakers

Another major area of offseason focus? Building chemistry with A&M’s revamped receiving corps. Reed has clicked quickly with transfer wideout Kevin Concepcion, a dynamic slot receiver from NC State who brings elite agility and yards-after-catch ability. The two have reportedly spent hours together working on timing and red-zone routes.

“Kevin’s a monster in the open field,” Reed said. “With his speed and the way Klein draws things up, it’s going to be a big year.”

Reed has also leaned on tight end Theo Spence, a junior who led the team in touchdown receptions last year. Their bond, developed during countless film sessions and workouts, has added another reliable option in the intermediate game.

“Chemistry doesn’t happen overnight, but we’ve put in the work. This summer was huge for us,” Reed added.

Expectations for 2025

While Texas A&M may not be a preseason top-10 team, expectations are still high in College Station. Head coach Mike Elko has built a roster full of potential, and the pressure is on to deliver results now—not just show flashes.

The quarterback is the engine of this push, and Reed knows it.

“This is my team now,” he said. “Coach Elko and Coach Klein trust me to lead it. And I’m ready for that responsibility.”

The Aggies open their season against Arizona State, a matchup that should give fans an early glimpse of how well Reed has absorbed Klein’s playbook. From there, matchups against Alabama and Texas loom large. But for now, Reed is focused on getting 1% better each day.

“I want to be the guy who brings A&M back to where it belongs,” he said. “And I know we can do it.”

Elko’s Confidence in His QB

Head coach Mike Elko has never shied away from praising Reed’s mental makeup. Following one of the team’s first fall practices, Elko was asked about the quarterback’s growth.

“Marcel’s done everything we’ve asked and more,” Elko said. “He studies like a pro, he leads like a captain, and he’s taken command of this offense. You want your quarterback to elevate the people around him—he’s doing that.”

Elko also credited Reed for building accountability among the skill-position players and offensive line.

“He’s not afraid to speak up when something’s off, but he does it the right way—like a leader who wants everyone to win,” the coach added.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season draws closer, Marcel Reed represents both a symbol of change and a cornerstone of stability for Texas A&M. With Collin Klein designing the offense and Mike Elko shaping the culture, the foundation appears to be in place for something special.

Reed’s confidence, paired with his work ethic, could help him ascend from a promising talent to one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks by year’s end. And if that happens, the Aggies just might be in the thick of the College Football Playoff race come November.

“I was comfortable last year,” Reed repeated. “But now? I feel like I can lead this team to something great.”

Aggieland is certainly hoping he’s right.