Texas A&M is one of 12 teams selected by CFB Select to earn their first CFP appearance in 2025.

The Texas A&M Aggies have long been a powerhouse in college football, with a storied history dating back to their founding in 1894. From legendary coaches and iconic players to tumultuous seasons and a passionate fanbase, the Aggies have remained a fixture in the sport. However, despite all the success, one major accolade has eluded them: a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. That all changed in 2025, when the Aggies were selected as one of the 12 teams to participate in the expanded CFP for the first time in school history. This selection marks a monumental achievement for Texas A&M and is the culmination of years of hard work, strategic recruitment, and program growth.

A New Era of the CFP

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has been the gold standard of college football postseason play since its inception in 2014. The initial format consisted of just four teams, selected by a committee of experts who took into account regular-season performance, strength of schedule, conference championships, and other factors. While the four-team format served its purpose for several years, it was clear that a larger bracket would allow for more teams to have a shot at the national title, while also providing more excitement and drama to the postseason.

In 2024, the NCAA announced that the CFP would expand to 12 teams for the 2025 season. This expansion is designed to include more deserving teams, create a more inclusive tournament, and give more fans a chance to see their teams compete for a national championship. With this expansion, conferences that traditionally did not receive as much attention in the four-team era, such as the Big 12, Pac-12, and even the Group of 5, now had a realistic chance of earning a spot in the playoff. The selection of Texas A&M in 2025 is a testament to the changing landscape of college football and the new opportunities that come with it.

The Road to 2025

While Texas A&M’s appearance in the 2025 CFP is a historic achievement, it didn’t happen overnight. The Aggies have been on an upward trajectory since Jimbo Fisher took over as head coach in 2018. Fisher, a former national championship-winning coach at Florida State, was tasked with rebuilding a program that had not reached its full potential despite the resources and talent available in College Station.

Fisher’s first few years at A&M were a period of transition. The Aggies showed flashes of greatness, particularly in 2020 when they finished with a 9-1 record and were ranked in the top five for much of the season. However, a key loss to Alabama prevented them from securing a spot in the four-team CFP, a bitter disappointment for both the team and its fanbase. Despite this setback, Fisher’s ability to recruit elite talent and develop his players set the foundation for a bright future.

By 2023, the Aggies were a legitimate contender on the national stage. Fisher’s recruiting efforts paid off with a roster brimming with top-tier talent, including a talented quarterback, a powerful offensive line, and a defense that could shut down some of the best offenses in the country. Texas A&M finished the regular season with an 11-1 record in 2023, earning a spot in a major bowl game and solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the SEC, the most competitive conference in college football.

However, it wasn’t just talent that propelled Texas A&M to the 2025 CFP; it was the team’s resilience and ability to handle adversity. In 2024, the Aggies faced their toughest challenge yet, battling through injuries, a tough schedule, and the weight of high expectations. Despite the odds, they managed to finish with a 12-1 record and an SEC Championship appearance. Although they fell short in the SEC Championship Game to Georgia, their body of work throughout the season was more than enough to secure a spot in the expanded CFP.

The Selection Process

In the new 12-team CFP format, the top six conference champions will automatically receive a bid, while the remaining six spots are filled by at-large teams selected by the CFP Selection Committee. Texas A&M’s position in the rankings, along with their impressive resume, made them a lock for one of the at-large spots.

The Aggies’ selection was no accident. They finished the season ranked 5th in the final CFP rankings, which put them in a prime position to secure a spot in the playoff. With a 12-1 record, their lone loss coming to Georgia in the SEC title game, and a slew of impressive wins over ranked opponents, including victories over Alabama and LSU, it was clear that Texas A&M had earned their place among the nation’s elite.

Additionally, the expanded 12-team format allows for more flexibility in terms of matchups, making it possible for teams like Texas A&M—who didn’t win their conference title—to still make a strong case for inclusion. The Aggies’ resume, bolstered by key victories, high-quality losses, and a competitive strength of schedule, made them a top choice for one of the at-large bids.

The Impact on Texas A&M’s Program

The selection of Texas A&M to the 2025 College Football Playoff is a turning point for the program. This achievement is not only significant for the current roster but also for the future of the program. The Aggies now find themselves on the national stage, where they will compete with the very best college football teams for the ultimate prize: a national championship.

For Texas A&M’s players, this selection is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. The players, many of whom were recruited specifically to help turn the program into a national contender, have now achieved what was once seen as impossible. The journey to the CFP has built a sense of pride and belief within the program that will resonate for years to come.

The impact of this selection will also be felt on the recruiting trail. Texas A&M’s inclusion in the 2025 CFP is likely to attract even more top-tier recruits to College Station. In the world of college football, success breeds success, and being part of the playoff conversation will make Texas A&M even more appealing to high school prospects looking to play at the highest level.

Furthermore, the exposure and attention that comes with making the CFP will undoubtedly help Texas A&M expand its national brand. With a larger spotlight on the program, the Aggies will have the opportunity to solidify their place among college football’s elite programs and attract more fans, donors, and resources to continue building their future.

The Road Ahead

As Texas A&M enters the 2025 College Football Playoff, the road ahead is filled with excitement, uncertainty, and immense pressure. The Aggies will face off against some of the most talented teams in the country, with each matchup presenting unique challenges. But for Texas A&M, this is the moment they have been waiting for. They have a roster capable of competing at the highest level, and their confidence is at an all-time high.

Whether or not Texas A&M can go on to win the national championship remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: their selection to the CFP in 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for the program. The Aggies are no longer just a team with potential—they are now a legitimate contender, and the sky is the limit for what they can achieve in the years to come.

For fans of Texas A&M, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for. After years of near-misses and close calls, the Aggies have finally broken through and earned their place among college football’s elite. This is a historic achievement that will resonate in College Station for generations to come.