Texas A&M Quarterback Marcel Reed Reveals Powerful Lesson He Learned from Peyton Manning During Summer QB Summit Experience

As Texas A&M prepares for the 2025 season, much of the buzz in Aggieland revolves around sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed — and for good reason. After flashing potential in his freshman season and gaining momentum in spring practices, Reed is taking another big step in his development. But according to Reed himself, the most influential moment of his offseason didn’t come in a film room or weight room. It came from a one-on-one conversation with NFL legend Peyton Manning.

Reed was among a select group of collegiate quarterbacks invited to the prestigious Manning Passing Academy this summer — a rite of passage for up-and-coming signal-callers. The four-day summit, hosted by the Manning family in Thibodaux, Louisiana, blends elite instruction with mentorship from NFL greats. For Reed, it wasn’t just a football camp. It was a turning point.

“Biggest lesson I took from Peyton?” Reed said during fall camp. “He told me, ‘Master the little things and the big plays will take care of themselves.’ That’s stuck with me.”

Embracing the Details

While Reed has always been known for his arm talent and athleticism, what separates good from great at the quarterback position is often the mental side. That’s where Peyton Manning’s advice hit home. Manning emphasized to the quarterbacks that attention to detail — from footwork to cadence to understanding protections — is the difference between winning and losing at the highest levels.

“Peyton made it clear,” Reed added. “The game is won Monday through Friday, not just on Saturdays. That’s what I’ve brought back to College Station.”

Reed returned to campus with a renewed focus. Texas A&M coaches immediately noticed a sharper quarterback — one who was more vocal, more poised, and more focused on mechanics and film study.

“You can see he’s applying what he learned,” said Aggies offensive coordinator Collin Klein. “He’s become more disciplined in his dropbacks, more precise in his reads. It’s a whole new level of maturity.”

The Reed-Klein Connection

The Aggies are transitioning to a new offensive scheme under Klein, who was hired by head coach Mike Elko during the offseason. Klein, known for his quarterback-friendly system at Kansas State, is tailoring the playbook to Reed’s strengths — mobility, accuracy on the move, and quick decision-making.

Reed has embraced the scheme, crediting Klein’s simplified approach and flexibility as ideal for his development.

“It’s a perfect fit,” Reed said. “Coach Klein’s offense gives me options. It lets me read and react, but also stay within structure. He trusts me, and I trust him.”

Klein returned the compliment, noting Reed’s command of the huddle has been a major point of growth.

“He’s not just learning the system — he’s teaching it now,” Klein said. “That’s when you know a QB is becoming the guy.”

Big Expectations in Aggieland

Texas A&M fans have been longing for consistent quarterback play since the departure of Kellen Mond. Reed’s rise has ignited optimism throughout the program and among supporters. While head coach Mike Elko hasn’t officially named a starter, most insiders believe the job is Reed’s to lose.

Elko praised Reed’s summer and leadership at SEC Media Days.

“Marcel has taken ownership of this team,” Elko said. “His time with Manning gave him confidence and clarity. He’s doing all the things we want from our quarterback.”

Teammates have echoed the sentiment. Senior center Bryce Foster said Reed’s presence in the huddle has transformed the offense’s energy.

“When Marcel speaks, everyone listens now,” Foster said. “You can tell he’s put in the work. He looks like a pro already.”

Taking the Next Step

While Reed showed flashes last season — including a clutch performance in a narrow win over South Carolina — he also experienced growing pains. He finished with 872 passing yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions in limited action. But with the offseason growth, many believe a breakout is imminent.

National analysts have started to take notice. ESPN’s Greg McElroy recently listed Reed among his “Top 5 breakout QBs for 2025,” citing Reed’s poise and athletic upside.

“The arm talent is there,” McElroy said. “But what excites me most is how much he’s grown as a field general. That’s Manning’s influence.”

Building a Legacy

For Reed, the message from Peyton Manning wasn’t just motivational — it was a challenge. A challenge to outwork everyone, to own every rep, and to become the kind of quarterback who makes everyone around him better.

“I’ve always admired how Peyton made everyone accountable,” Reed said. “That’s what I’m trying to do here at A&M. Lead by example, elevate the standard, and win.”

With a strong offensive line, emerging playmakers at wide receiver, and a revamped system built around his strengths, the path is clear for Reed to seize control of Texas A&M’s offense and steer the Aggies into contention in the SEC.

The journey started with a lesson from a Hall of Famer. What happens next will depend on whether Marcel Reed can continue to apply that wisdom every snap, every game, every week.

And if he does? Texas A&M might just have their next great quarterback.