Texas A\&M Football Is ‘Elevating’ to Championship Culture, Says Head Coach Mike Elko, Citing Accountability, Toughness, and Team-First Mentality.
In just over a year as head coach, Mike Elko is already reshaping the Texas A&M football program—not just on the field, but from the inside out. According to Elko, the Aggies are not only improving their performance between the lines—they’re “elevating” to a championship-level culture built on accountability, toughness, and unity.
As the Aggies prepare for the 2025 college football season, Elko’s blueprint is becoming increasingly clear: change the mindset, build the foundation, and success will follow. In recent media sessions and behind closed doors, Elko has made it evident that establishing a winning culture is the priority—and that Texas A&M is beginning to embody it.
A New Era of Expectations
“When I talk about us elevating, I mean more than just getting better,” Elko said at a recent team event. “I’m talking about holding ourselves to a championship standard every single day—in workouts, in meetings, in the classroom, in life.”
It’s a vision that Aggie fans and alumni have been longing for. After years of inconsistency and unmet expectations despite elite recruiting classes, Elko is implementing structure, discipline, and a strong internal belief system to harness the program’s potential.
Texas A&M finished the 2024 season at 9–4, showing marked improvement after a rocky 2023 campaign. But Elko isn’t focused solely on wins and losses. He’s committed to building a sustainable culture that can contend with the elite teams in the SEC—and nationally—for years to come.
“This program doesn’t lack talent,” Elko said. “What we needed was consistency in our habits, in our accountability, and in our mindset. That’s what we’re building.”
Accountability at the Core
One of the most visible changes under Elko’s leadership has been the level of accountability within the team. From position coaches to senior leaders, every member of the program is expected to take ownership of their role and results.
Players now attend early-morning accountability meetings led not by coaches—but by teammates. Miss a workout? You’re not just answering to your position coach—you’re explaining yourself to the entire leadership council.
“There’s no hiding here,” said senior linebacker Chris Russell. “Coach Elko made it clear: we’re either going to hold each other accountable or fall short. So we decided to hold each other accountable.”
That cultural shift has made a tangible difference, particularly in offseason conditioning. Players are showing up earlier, staying later, and pushing themselves harder—not because they’re being told to, but because the culture demands it.
“We talk about the difference between involvement and commitment,” Elko explained. “If you’re just involved, you’re checking boxes. If you’re committed, you’re living it. We want 100 guys who are committed.”
Discipline in the Details
Another hallmark of Elko’s approach is attention to detail. Whether it’s footwork in individual drills or academic performance in study halls, there is no room for complacency. The message is clear: championships are built in the small moments.
During spring practice, Elko was often seen pulling players aside—not just to critique technique, but to emphasize the why behind each rep.
“He’ll stop practice over a missed assignment on a scout team rep,” said junior safety Bryce Anderson. “At first, we were like, ‘Coach, really?’ But now we get it. It’s about being locked in all the time.”
That discipline is extending beyond the football field. Texas A&M saw its team GPA rise significantly over the past academic year, and the football program has reduced disciplinary issues under Elko’s watch.
“We’re building men, not just players,” said Elko. “When you’re disciplined in life, it carries over to football. And when you’re disciplined in football, it shows up on Saturday.”
Building Brotherhood and Team Unity
In the ultra-competitive SEC, talent alone isn’t enough. Teams that win consistently often possess something intangible—a bond forged in shared sacrifice. Elko is making sure his team doesn’t just work hard, but does it together.
“We’ve made team chemistry a point of emphasis,” Elko said. “From leadership retreats to player-led film sessions to community service projects—we’re doing things that bring us together off the field.”
Players have taken ownership of building that unity. Team captains lead weekend workouts, upperclassmen mentor freshmen, and off-campus barbecues and bowling nights are helping foster trust and camaraderie.
“We’ve all got the same goal,” said sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed. “But it means more when you look at the guy next to you and you know he’s got your back no matter what.”
Elko sees that unity as the final piece in the championship culture puzzle. “Talent gets you in the door. Work ethic helps you compete. But brotherhood? That’s what gets you over the top.”
Recruiting the Right Fit
Culture doesn’t just come from within—it also comes from who you bring in. Under Elko, Texas A&M is being more intentional in recruiting—not just targeting stars, but players who fit the program’s core values.
“We want dogs,” said cornerbacks coach Ishmael Aristide. “But we want disciplined dogs. Smart, coachable, tough-minded kids who love football and want to be part of something bigger.”
Elko’s 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes already reflect that philosophy. The Aggies have landed several blue-chip prospects who cited the team culture and staff honesty as key reasons for committing.
One such player is four-star linebacker Carter Holmes, who chose A&M over Alabama and Georgia. “Coach Elko told me the truth from day one,” Holmes said. “He didn’t promise me playing time—he promised me a chance to earn it, and to grow as a man.”
That kind of authenticity is resonating across the recruiting landscape. National analysts are beginning to take notice, with 247Sports recently ranking Texas A&M as one of the “most culturally aligned programs” in the SEC.
The Fans Are Buying In
Aggie Nation is known for its passion, and the energy around the program is palpable. Season ticket sales are on the rise, and the 12th Man Foundation has reported increased donations since Elko’s arrival.
Fan response to Elko’s message has been overwhelmingly positive. Whether it’s at spring scrimmages, recruiting events, or social media Q&As, the sense of optimism is growing.
“He talks like a coach who gets it,” said former A&M running back and alumnus Cyrus Gray. “He’s not just chasing headlines—he’s building something real.”
That trust between the program and the fan base has created a unified front that Elko believes is essential to reaching championship heights.
“This place is special,” Elko said. “If we get everyone rowing in the same direction—players, coaches, fans, alumni—there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”
What’s Next?
With fall camp fast approaching, Elko and his staff are shifting focus toward execution. The Aggies open their 2025 campaign with a high-profile matchup against USC, followed by a grueling SEC slate that includes Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
But for Elko, the opponent isn’t the biggest concern—it’s whether the team continues to elevate.
“We control our standard,” he said. “We may not win every battle, but we will never be out-prepared, out-worked, or out-toughed. That’s who we are now.”
He isn’t guaranteeing championships overnight—but he is promising a culture that demands the best, supports the team, and builds the type of foundation championships rest on.
Texas A&M football under Mike Elko is entering a new era—one not driven by hype, but by substance. Through a focus on accountability, discipline, and unity, Elko is steering the Aggies toward a sustainable championship culture.
There’s still work to be done, and plenty of battles ahead. But for the first time in a while, the program feels aligned. It feels focused. And above all, it feels like a team that’s truly elevating.
As Elko puts it: “Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built brick by brick. And we’re laying those bricks every day.”
