Josh Pate explains that Texas A&M’s recruiting success, coaching stability, and evolving identity have shifted the program’s “status quo.”

Texas A&M has long been one of the most high-profile football programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Despite the university’s significant financial investments in its football program, consistent success on the field has often eluded the Aggies. In recent years, however, a number of developments have signaled a shift in the program’s trajectory. One of the most notable voices commenting on the change at Texas A&M is Josh Pate, a renowned college football analyst who has gained prominence for his deep insights and well-rounded perspectives on the sport.

In this article, we will delve into Josh Pate’s thoughts on why he believes Texas A&M’s “status quo” has changed and what that shift means for the program’s future. We will explore the key factors Pate highlights as catalysts for change at A&M, including the team’s recent recruiting success, coaching stability, and the broader landscape of college football.

Texas A&M’s ‘Status Quo’: A History of High Expectations and Underachievement

Before we dive into Pate’s analysis, it’s important to understand the “status quo” that Texas A&M has historically found itself in. When the Aggies moved to the SEC in 2012, there were high expectations for the program to be a perennial contender in one of college football’s toughest conferences. The team was loaded with talent, and the university was willing to back the program financially, providing state-of-the-art facilities and enormous resources. However, despite these advantages, the Aggies struggled to break through and compete for championships.

Throughout the years, Texas A&M had flashes of success—highlighted by standout seasons like 2012, when Johnny Manziel led the Aggies to a historic upset over Alabama and a top-five finish—but the team never truly established itself as an SEC powerhouse. High expectations often gave way to mediocrity, and A&M found itself stuck in a cycle of underachievement. Despite ranking highly in recruiting classes and boasting impressive rosters, the Aggies seemed unable to take the next step on the field.

This underperformance, despite abundant resources, led to frustration among fans, boosters, and players alike. A&M had everything it needed to compete at the highest level, but something always seemed to fall short. It was this recurring “status quo” of underachieving that Josh Pate has said has recently begun to change.

Josh Pate’s Analysis: The Shifting Landscape at Texas A&M

Josh Pate, an expert on college football recruiting and program development, has closely observed the trajectory of Texas A&M. According to Pate, the program’s “status quo” has started to change due to a combination of internal factors and external forces that are reshaping the Aggies’ football program. Below are the key elements Pate believes have signaled the start of a new era at Texas A&M.

1. A New Level of Recruiting Success

One of the most significant factors that Pate believes has changed the status quo at Texas A&M is the program’s recruiting success. Historically, Texas A&M had recruited well, often landing top-tier talent from within the state of Texas and beyond. However, Pate highlights that in recent years, A&M has taken their recruiting efforts to a new level.

The 2022 recruiting class, in particular, was a major turning point for Texas A&M. The Aggies landed the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, a class that was filled with elite prospects at almost every position. This success didn’t happen by accident; it was the result of tireless work by head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff, who made it a priority to build relationships with high school coaches, players, and their families.

What set Texas A&M apart in this cycle was their ability to land top recruits from all over the country, not just Texas. Pate notes that the Aggies were able to attract highly rated recruits in positions that had historically been difficult to recruit—such as offensive and defensive line—and this is crucial in the SEC, where games are often won or lost in the trenches. The 2022 class included players like defensive lineman Walter Nolen, offensive tackle Kam Dewberry, and wide receiver Evan Stewart, all of whom have the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Furthermore, Pate believes that this surge in recruiting success signals a shift in the mindset around Texas A&M football. The program is no longer just hoping to land a few top recruits each year; they are building a roster full of talent that rivals any other team in the SEC. If they can continue this trend in future recruiting cycles, Texas A&M will position itself to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU for SEC and national championships.

2. Stability Under Jimbo Fisher

Another reason Pate believes Texas A&M’s “status quo” has changed is the growing stability under head coach Jimbo Fisher. Fisher, who was hired in 2017 with the expectation that he would elevate the Aggies to elite status, faced criticism in the early years of his tenure. While his recruiting efforts were strong, the team struggled to consistently compete with the best in the SEC, particularly in high-stakes games.

However, in recent years, Pate sees signs that Fisher has been able to steady the ship. After several up-and-down seasons, Texas A&M showed promise in 2021 with a win over Alabama and a successful season overall. While 2022 and 2023 presented challenges, Pate believes that Fisher’s coaching style is starting to show results. Fisher is known for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his emphasis on both sides of the ball.

Pate points out that even in seasons where A&M has not reached its peak potential, Fisher’s ability to develop players and create a competitive environment has led to steady progress. Unlike other high-profile programs that have experienced turnover in their coaching staff, Texas A&M has enjoyed relative stability under Fisher. This is crucial, particularly in the highly competitive SEC, where programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU often have to deal with staff turnover and internal upheaval.

Fisher’s success in building a cohesive coaching staff has helped him navigate the challenges of the conference. Pate notes that Fisher has managed to assemble a talented and experienced group of coordinators and position coaches, which has resulted in better development of players and an improved overall team culture. This stability provides a solid foundation for long-term success and is one of the key reasons Pate believes A&M’s status quo is changing.

3. Developing an Identity on Both Sides of the Ball

For years, Texas A&M’s identity was difficult to define. The team had flashes of brilliance, but it was often hard to pinpoint exactly what made them different from other SEC teams. Under Jimbo Fisher, however, Pate believes the Aggies have started to develop a more coherent identity on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Fisher has implemented a pro-style system that focuses on balance and control. Texas A&M is known for its physicality in the running game and its ability to stretch the field with the passing attack. This balance is especially important in the SEC, where defenses are often built to stop one-dimensional offenses. Fisher’s ability to develop quarterbacks, like Heisman Trophy contender Johnny Manziel and others, has been a big part of the Aggies’ offensive evolution.

On defense, Pate highlights how the Aggies have begun to develop an identity of their own in recent years, especially with the growth of their defensive line. Players like Walter Nolen and Shemar Turner have the potential to become elite players in the SEC, and the Aggies’ defense has begun to show the same level of physicality and aggression that has made teams like Alabama and Georgia so dominant on that side of the ball. If they continue to develop their defense, A&M could quickly become a complete team capable of competing for conference championships.

4. The Changing SEC Landscape

Pate also points to the shifting landscape of the SEC as another factor contributing to Texas A&M’s changing status quo. The addition of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC in 2024 adds a new layer of complexity to an already challenging conference. While this expansion will undoubtedly increase the level of competition, Pate believes it also presents an opportunity for programs like Texas A&M to separate themselves.

The Aggies have long been a team on the outside looking in, but as the SEC becomes even more competitive with the addition of these two schools, Texas A&M’s ability to recruit and develop talent will give them a significant edge. Pate notes that teams like A&M, with strong recruiting efforts and a solid coaching foundation, can take advantage of these changes to improve their position within the conference.

As the SEC grows more competitive, programs like Texas A&M will need to continue evolving and adapting. With Fisher at the helm and the recruitment of top-tier talent, A&M could establish itself as one of the dominant programs in the SEC, not just a contender.