WATCH: Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko Addresses Team Progress, Leadership, and Expectations During 2025 Fall Camp Opening Media Session

As the sweltering Texas sun beamed down on the practice fields, Texas A&M football officially opened its 2025 fall camp. And with anticipation building around the program’s future under second-year head coach Mike Elko, the Aggie faithful were eager to hear what the man in charge had to say.

Elko, calm but commanding, addressed the media with a measured optimism, touching on everything from quarterback development and roster depth to locker room leadership and the standards he’s instilling in the team.

“We’re not building from scratch anymore,” Elko said confidently during Tuesday’s press availability. “We’re building forward.”

Steady Growth From Year One

Elko, who returned to College Station last year after serving as defensive coordinator from 2018-2021, was hired to stabilize a Texas A&M program that had grown erratic under previous leadership. In his first season as head coach, the Aggies finished 8-5 and won the Texas Bowl. But Elko knows that in the SEC, bowl appearances aren’t enough.

“You have to grow from good to great,” Elko said. “Our offseason was about raising the floor — physically, mentally, and culturally.”

He cited improved offseason attendance, a greater player-led culture, and the emergence of more vocal leadership. “The guys have responded,” he added. “We’ve had fewer missed workouts. We’ve had more guys voluntarily watching film. That tells you they care.”

Quarterback Room Focus: Marcel Reed’s Rise

Perhaps the most discussed topic of the session was sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed. The former four-star recruit flashed brilliance late last season, and Elko made it clear that the young signal-caller has taken a huge leap this summer.

“Marcel’s matured in all the right ways,” Elko noted. “Physically, he’s stronger. Mentally, he’s processing things faster. And from a leadership standpoint, he’s commanding more of the room.”

Elko praised Reed’s commitment to film study and footwork mechanics, calling his growth “tremendous” and hinting that Reed may enter the fall as the frontrunner to start Week 1.

That doesn’t mean the job is his without challenge. Veteran Max Johnson, who returned for his final season, is pushing hard in camp.

“We’ve got a true competition,” Elko said. “And that’s a good thing.”

Defense Anchored by Familiar Faces

Texas A&M’s defense could be the team’s strongest unit this fall — and Elko’s fingerprints are all over it. The former defensive coordinator has quickly installed an aggressive, attacking mindset that resonates with veterans like linebacker Taurean York and defensive end Shemar Stewart.

“We want to lead the SEC in effort and execution,” Elko said. “Shemar’s had a monster offseason. York’s playing faster. Those guys are the heartbeat of what we want to do.”

The Aggies also brought in key defensive transfers to solidify depth, including former Notre Dame safety Ramon Henderson and Michigan State defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

“Getting mature guys from good programs is critical,” Elko said. “You’re not guessing if they can handle the grind. They’ve lived it.”

Offensive Line Chemistry a Key Focus

One area where Elko sounded cautiously optimistic was the offensive line. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the unit last season, but the coaching staff believes they’ve turned a corner.

“The five guys who played together the most this spring — you’re starting to see real chemistry,” Elko said.

Returning starters Chase Bisontis and Kam Dewberry are expected to anchor the line, with freshmen like Weston Davis pushing for playing time. Elko emphasized the importance of staying healthy in the trenches, especially in the brutal SEC West.

“You can have all the weapons in the world,” Elko added. “If you can’t block, none of it matters.”

Skill Positions Brimming With Young Talent

The Aggies enter camp with one of the most intriguing wide receiver groups in the country, headlined by sophomore Noah Thomas and five-star freshman Cameron Coleman. Elko praised both for their explosiveness and route-running, and noted that he expects multiple young pass-catchers to step up.

“There’s no lack of talent there,” Elko said. “We’ve just got to be consistent.”

Running back Rueben Owens also received mention for his offseason work, along with true freshman Kiandrea Barker, who has turned heads early.

“We’ll lean on them,” Elko said. “And they’ll get plenty of touches.”

Special Teams Overhaul

One area Elko wants to improve significantly in 2025 is special teams. The Aggies struggled in return coverage and consistency last year, prompting a restructuring of responsibilities within the coaching staff.

“We’ve committed to treating special teams as a phase, not an afterthought,” Elko said. “You’ll see that effort reflected in how we rotate guys and prioritize it in camp.”

New special teams analyst Joe Houston was brought in to bring discipline and detail, and Elko hopes that added focus will produce results when the games begin.

Culture Shift and “No Excuses” Mentality

Throughout the press conference, Elko returned to one theme: accountability. He’s made it clear that Texas A&M football will be defined by effort, discipline, and attention to detail — regardless of preseason rankings or social media noise.

“This isn’t a rebuild,” Elko insisted. “This is about creating the kind of habits that win games in the fourth quarter.”

Players like defensive back Bryce Anderson and tight end Jake Johnson have echoed that message to teammates, creating a ripple effect that Elko believes will show up on Saturdays.

“We’re trying to get 115 guys rowing in the same direction,” he said. “You win in this league with unity and grit.”

The Road Ahead: Key Dates, High Expectations

Texas A&M opens the season with a high-stakes road game at Notre Dame — a matchup Elko acknowledged was no “cupcake.” But he believes the team is ready for the challenge.

“It’ll be a great early test,” Elko said. “And we’ll know where we stand right away.”

The Aggies will also face Alabama, LSU, and Texas in a grueling SEC schedule that offers little margin for error. Still, Elko remains focused on the day-to-day.

“If we do the little things right in camp, the scoreboard will take care of itself later,” he concluded.

Mike Elko’s first full fall camp at Texas A&M has begun with a tone of quiet confidence and determined purpose. With talent across the board and a young quarterback making strides, the Aggies appear poised to take a leap forward in 2025.

The road won’t be easy, but with Elko’s steady hand at the wheel, there’s belief in College Station that Texas A&M might finally live up to the lofty expectations that have followed the program for years.

Aggie fans will get their first true glimpse of the 2025 squad at the Maroon & White scrimmage later this month. Until then, Elko and his staff will continue grinding — building not just a football team, but a foundation.