Aggie Gameday Extra Podcast: What are the main football and basketball questions facing Texas A&M?

As Texas A&M University continues to establish itself as one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), both the Aggies’ football and basketball teams face a myriad of questions that will determine their paths in the near future. With a strong tradition in both sports, but also a fair share of growing pains, Aggie fans are eagerly wondering what the future holds for their teams. From the ongoing rebuild under new leadership in football to a rising tide of expectations for the basketball program, Texas A&M’s sporting future is filled with anticipation and uncertainty.

The Aggie Gameday Extra Podcast seeks to address these important topics, analyzing the most pressing issues for Texas A&M’s football and basketball programs. In this article, we’ll break down the primary questions facing both teams, explore what the programs need to succeed, and offer a look at the road ahead.

Texas A&M Football: Navigating Change and Building for the Future

1. What Will the Impact of New Head Coach Jimbo Fisher’s Evolution Be?

When Jimbo Fisher arrived at Texas A&M in 2018, expectations were sky-high. After all, Fisher had proven himself at Florida State, winning a national championship in 2013 and developing some of the top talent in college football. However, while there have been flashes of brilliance, the Aggies have yet to reach the next level under his leadership. 2023 brought a disappointing conclusion to the season, with the team finishing with a lackluster record.

One of the most pressing questions for the Aggies is how Fisher plans to evolve in year six of his tenure. What adjustments can he make to lead Texas A&M back to national prominence? The pressure is certainly mounting, as Fisher has secured some of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Yet, despite the talent on hand, the Aggies have struggled to consistently produce on the field.

Many are curious to see how Jimbo Fisher adapts his offensive scheme moving forward. The Texas A&M offense under Fisher has struggled at times, particularly with quarterback play, which has been a major point of contention. Fisher will need to make key changes in how the offense operates to ensure that he gets the most out of his players, particularly at the quarterback position.

The defense, led by D.J. Durkin, has shown promise, but questions still remain regarding its consistency, particularly in big moments. Fisher has always prided himself on being a coach who can recruit top-tier defensive talent, but the Aggies need to prove they can close out games against top competition.

2. Will the Aggies Ever Reach SEC Championship Glory?

The SEC West is a brutal division, and the road to the SEC Championship is filled with some of the most formidable teams in the country. For Texas A&M, the question on the minds of many fans is: when will the program finally break through and reach the pinnacle of the SEC?

Texas A&M’s best season under Fisher came in 2020, when the Aggies went 9-1 and finished just outside of the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. But that was two years ago, and since then, the Aggies have struggled to consistently perform at that level. The SEC West continues to be dominated by powerhouse programs like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, making it even more difficult for Texas A&M to break through.

The Aggies have the talent—particularly on defense—to compete with the best in the SEC. However, the team’s ability to execute on the offensive side of the ball remains the primary obstacle to its championship aspirations. The question is not whether Texas A&M can recruit elite talent—it’s whether they can consistently develop and deploy that talent to win the big games in the SEC.

3. Can Texas A&M Build Consistency at the Quarterback Position?

Over the last several years, quarterback play has been a central theme in Texas A&M football. While the Aggies have produced talented quarterbacks, they’ve struggled to find one that consistently leads the team to victory. From Kellen Mond’s inconsistency to Haynes King and Max Johnson sharing time under center, the quarterback position has been a revolving door for the Aggies.

Looking ahead to 2025, Texas A&M is once again looking for stability at the most important position on the field. Connor Weigman, a highly-rated recruit, could be the solution, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can develop into a reliable starter. Can he rise to the occasion and lead Texas A&M’s offense with the same consistency that the program’s best quarterbacks have displayed?

Fisher’s offensive philosophy requires strong quarterback play, and without it, the Aggies may struggle to reach their full potential. As Weigman or another quarterback steps into the role, their development will be critical to the Aggies’ success in the coming seasons.

Texas A&M Basketball: Rising to the Occasion in a Competitive SEC

1. Can Buzz Williams Lead Texas A&M to an SEC Title?

Since taking over the program in 2019, Buzz Williams has made an immediate impact on Texas A&M basketball. The team has shown significant improvement in terms of both talent and performance under his leadership. However, the next question for Williams and the Aggies is whether they can finally break through and win the SEC Championship.

Texas A&M’s basketball program has been competitive, but it has not yet reached the level of consistency required to challenge the likes of Kentucky, Tennessee, or Alabama at the top of the conference. With the resources and talent available to Williams, the question is no longer about the potential of the program—it’s about whether the Aggies can elevate themselves to the top of the SEC.

One thing that has stood out about Williams is his ability to recruit high-level talent. Players like Wade Taylor IV and Henry Coleman III have been key pieces for the Aggies. If Williams can continue to bring in high-caliber recruits and combine them with his innovative coaching style, Texas A&M could soon be a regular contender for the SEC crown.

2. Can the Aggies Become a Consistent NCAA Tournament Team?

The next logical step for Texas A&M basketball is to solidify its place in the NCAA Tournament year after year. While the Aggies have made the tournament in the past, they’ve been inconsistent in recent seasons, and the team needs to prove that it can compete at the highest level on a consistent basis.

Buzz Williams’ philosophy of tough, hard-nosed basketball has produced results, but now it’s time for the Aggies to make a deeper run in the tournament. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but has not yet reached its full potential in March. If Texas A&M can become a staple in the NCAA Tournament and advance past the first few rounds, it will be a sign that the program has taken the next step toward being a national contender.

3. How Will the Aggies Continue to Build Depth and Develop Players?

While Texas A&M has produced some strong individual players under Buzz Williams, one of the keys to future success will be developing depth across the roster. Williams has already made a name for himself as a coach who can elevate individual talent, but to truly challenge for an SEC championship and a deep NCAA Tournament run, the Aggies need to develop a deep, balanced roster.

As Texas A&M continues to recruit at a high level, the team will need to foster competition at every position and ensure that every player on the roster is ready to contribute when their number is called. With an emphasis on player development, Texas A&M can build the type of depth that’s necessary to win in the grind of the SEC and make a deep tournament run.

The Future of Texas A&M Football and Basketball: What Lies Ahead?

Both the football and basketball programs at Texas A&M are in critical periods of their respective rebuilds. On the football field, Jimbo Fisher has recruited elite talent, but he must continue to evolve his program and develop consistent quarterback play in order to compete for an SEC championship. For basketball, Buzz Williams is tasked with guiding the Aggies to a higher level of success, both within the SEC and on the national stage.

Both programs face significant challenges, but they also have plenty of potential to succeed. With continued investment in facilities, recruiting, and player development, Texas A&M has the opportunity to be a consistent force in both football and basketball for years to come.

The Aggie Gameday Extra Podcast will undoubtedly continue to follow these storylines as both teams strive for success. Whether it’s questions surrounding quarterback play for football or the Aggies’ quest for consistency in basketball, fans can rest assured that Texas A&M is on the rise, and the best may be yet to come.