CFB Select picks Texas A&M as 1-of-12 teams that could achieve its first CFP berth in 2025

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has become the ultimate destination for college football programs across the nation. As the sport continues to grow in both popularity and competitiveness, the pressure to reach the playoffs has never been higher. For programs like Texas A&M, the dream of securing a spot in the CFP has been a long-standing goal, one that remains elusive despite a history of strong recruiting classes, promising seasons, and a passionate fanbase. However, in 2025, CFB Select has identified Texas A&M as one of the 12 teams with the potential to secure their first-ever CFP berth.

This recognition comes at a critical time in the Aggies’ program. After years of building up the talent pool, the Aggies are poised to make a run at the CFP for the first time in school history. But what will it take for Texas A&M to turn the corner and reach the promised land of the College Football Playoff? From talented recruits to the strategic coaching leadership under Jimbo Fisher, the Aggies appear to have all the necessary pieces to compete at the highest level in 2025.

In this article, we will explore the potential for Texas A&M to earn its first CFP berth in 2025. We will examine the factors contributing to the program’s rise, the importance of key players, the role of Jimbo Fisher, and the challenges that lie ahead for the Aggies in their pursuit of CFP glory. Additionally, we will place Texas A&M in the context of the larger landscape of college football as a whole, analyzing how the Aggies stack up against other potential contenders for the coveted playoff spots.

1. Texas A&M’s Rise to Prominence: A Program on the Upswing

Texas A&M’s pursuit of a CFP berth is rooted in the steady rise of the program over the past decade. Since joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2012, the Aggies have become one of the most competitive teams in the conference, consistently showing promise in recruiting, player development, and overall performance. While the Aggies have had their share of disappointments, they’ve also experienced seasons where they have shown that they belong among the elite.

1.1 Strong Recruiting Classes and Development of Talent

A major reason for the optimism surrounding Texas A&M’s future is their ability to recruit and develop elite talent. Under Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M has become a fixture in the Top 10 of national recruiting rankings, consistently landing some of the best high school players in the country. The Aggies’ recruiting success has been highlighted by their 2022 class, which was one of the best in the history of college football, and the continued recruitment of highly ranked prospects for the 2025 season.

The strength of the recruiting classes has allowed the Aggies to build depth and talent at nearly every position, with strong showings on both sides of the ball. Fisher’s ability to recruit five-star athletes and develop them into NFL-caliber players has set the foundation for Texas A&M to make a serious run at a CFP berth. The program is loaded with talent at key positions, particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and in the defensive front seven, all of which are critical components for success in the playoff race.

1.2 The Leadership of Jimbo Fisher

One of the driving forces behind Texas A&M’s success in recent years has been the leadership of Jimbo Fisher, the head coach who took over the program in 2018. Fisher, a former national championship-winning coach at Florida State, has brought a wealth of experience to Texas A&M. His track record of success, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks and lead teams to major bowl games, has given the Aggies confidence that they are on the right track.

Despite some frustrating seasons, particularly in 2021, Fisher has shown a commitment to getting Texas A&M to the next level. He’s done so by implementing a pro-style offense that has allowed the Aggies to remain competitive in the high-octane SEC. The continuity and stability under Fisher’s leadership have been important for Texas A&M’s development, and with the right pieces in place, Fisher has the potential to take the Aggies to the CFP in 2025.

2. The Aggies’ 2025 Squad: Key Players and Emerging Talents

As 2025 approaches, Texas A&M has a roster filled with talent that could be the key to their first CFP berth. From quarterbacks to defensive stars, the Aggies boast a collection of young talent that could be ready to break out in a big way.

2.1 Quarterback Play: Max Johnson and the Future

At the most important position on the field, quarterback play will be a major factor in determining whether Texas A&M can make a run at the CFP. While Max Johnson, a transfer from LSU, will likely be the starting quarterback in 2025, the Aggies also have a promising young talent in Conner Weigman, who is expected to be the long-term solution under center.

Max Johnson’s experience and ability to perform in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable for Texas A&M in 2025. He has the skills to lead the Aggies’ offense and execute Jimbo Fisher’s game plan effectively. However, the development of Weigman, a former highly rated recruit, could also give Texas A&M the ability to lean on a future star, making the team even more dangerous for years to come.

Whether Johnson or Weigman takes the reins, the Aggies will need solid and consistent play from the quarterback position to compete with the best teams in the nation. A strong showing from the quarterback could help elevate the program to the next level and give the Aggies the offensive firepower needed to secure a spot in the CFP.

2.2 Wide Receiver Corps: A Talented and Deep Group

Another key component of Texas A&M’s potential success in 2025 is their wide receiver group. The Aggies have a wealth of talent at the receiver position, with several playmakers who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses. Players like Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith are expected to be key contributors in the passing game, providing a dynamic threat both downfield and in the short-to-medium range.

The ability of the Aggies to consistently move the ball through the air will be critical to their success. If Johnson or Weigman can find a rhythm with their wide receivers, the offense will have the firepower to compete with any team in the nation. A balanced attack, with a strong passing game coupled with an effective running game, could make Texas A&M a legitimate contender for a CFP berth.

2.3 Defensive Dominance: Linebackers and Defensive Line

While Texas A&M’s offense has garnered plenty of attention, the defensive side of the ball is just as important for their CFP aspirations. The Aggies have consistently boasted one of the SEC’s most talented and disruptive defenses, and in 2025, this unit is expected to be one of the best in the country.

The defensive line is expected to be a strength, with a mixture of seasoned veterans and young talent. The Aggies will look to shut down the run and get after the quarterback with their elite pass rushers. The linebacker corps is another area where Texas A&M will have a lot of talent, with players like Edgerrin Cooper and Andre White Jr. expected to lead the defense with their versatility and ability to make plays in both the run and pass game.

If Texas A&M can continue to play a dominant brand of defense in 2025, it will not only help them in SEC play but also give them the ability to match up with the nation’s best teams. A defense capable of shutting down high-powered offenses and making critical stops in key moments will be vital for the Aggies to secure a CFP berth.

3. The Road to the CFP: SEC Challenges and National Competition

Securing a CFP berth for Texas A&M in 2025 won’t come easy, as they’ll face some of the most challenging teams in college football, particularly in the SEC. The SEC is a powerhouse conference, with programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU all gunning for playoff spots of their own.

3.1 The SEC Gauntlet

The SEC’s competitiveness presents a huge hurdle for Texas A&M’s playoff aspirations. In particular, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs have dominated the SEC for the past decade, making them perennial CFP contenders. To achieve a CFP berth, Texas A&M will need to beat these teams in the regular season or win the SEC Championship Game.

Texas A&M’s ability to perform in crucial games, particularly against conference foes, will be paramount. If they can win key games against the SEC’s elite and earn a spot in the SEC Championship Game, their chances of earning a CFP berth will be significantly boosted.

3.2 National Competition

Beyond the SEC, Texas A&M will also need to contend with the best teams from other conferences. Teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Clemson, and USC will all be in the hunt for playoff spots, so the Aggies will need to perform at an elite level to separate themselves from the pack. While the CFP selection committee weighs conference championships heavily, the Aggies’ strength of schedule and overall resume will be scrutinized as well.

The national competition will be fierce, but with the talent on their roster, Texas A&M could be well-positioned to earn their first CFP berth.