Josh Pate discusses why he thinks the “status quo” at A&M has altered.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, few programs have experienced as much turbulence and anticipation as Texas A&M. The Aggies, a program with immense potential and a seemingly unlimited financial backing, have long been seen as a sleeping giant in the world of college football. Yet, despite the promises of high-level recruiting and the allure of playing in the SEC, Texas A&M’s on-field success has not always matched the resources it has poured into the program.

Over the past few years, however, there has been a growing sense that things are beginning to change in College Station. The optimism that had accompanied Jimbo Fisher’s hire as head coach in 2017 has faced a number of challenges, from inconsistent play on the field to the frustration of fans who have seen flashes of brilliance but also periods of underachievement. Yet, for college football analyst Josh Pate, the status quo at Texas A&M is beginning to shift. Pate, known for his insightful commentary and analysis on college football, believes that the program is on the verge of a turning point.

In this article, we will explore Pate’s perspective on why the “status quo” at Texas A&M has altered, examining both the internal and external factors that have contributed to the shift. From changes in leadership to the changing dynamics in the SEC, we will break down the key points that Pate argues signal a new direction for the Aggies.

The Texas A&M Status Quo: What Was Holding the Program Back?

Before delving into why Josh Pate believes that Texas A&M’s status quo has shifted, it’s essential to understand what the “status quo” at the program had been up until recently.

When Jimbo Fisher took over the reins of the Aggies in 2018, there was a sense of excitement and expectation. Fisher was one of the hottest coaching commodities in college football after leading Florida State to a national championship in 2013 and establishing himself as one of the best offensive minds in the game. With a hefty contract and the backing of Texas A&M’s wealthy boosters, Fisher had all the resources he needed to build a contender. Yet, despite all of this, the program struggled to break through.

While Fisher was able to recruit at a high level—particularly with the 2022 class, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation—there was a consistent disconnect between recruiting success and on-field performance. The Aggies were a team that often found themselves in tight, high-pressure games that they couldn’t win. From quarterback struggles to defensive inconsistencies, the Aggies seemed to be perennially stuck in a cycle of mediocrity despite their talent.

In 2022, Texas A&M faced one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory, finishing with a 5-7 record and missing a bowl game entirely. The loss of key players to injuries and a lack of consistent play at quarterback were part of the issue, but the program’s inability to compete at the top level in the SEC—despite the talent on the roster—was the most pressing concern. For many fans and analysts, it became clear that the program was not progressing at the rate expected given the resources and recruiting success they had achieved.

Josh Pate’s Perspective: Why the Status Quo is Shifting

Josh Pate, who provides in-depth analysis of college football on his platform, The Late Kick with Josh Pate, has long followed Texas A&M and has seen firsthand the program’s struggles and promise. In recent commentary, Pate has pointed to several factors that lead him to believe that the status quo at Texas A&M is beginning to shift for the better. According to Pate, several key changes are altering the trajectory of the Aggies’ program.

1. Changes in Leadership and the Firing of Jimbo Fisher

Perhaps the most significant shift in Texas A&M’s status quo came with the firing of Jimbo Fisher in November 2024. After years of frustration, the Aggies’ administration made the difficult decision to part ways with Fisher, citing the need for a fresh approach to propel the program to the next level. Fisher’s contract, one of the largest in college football history, created a financial burden on the program, but Texas A&M’s boosters and leadership determined that the program’s direction needed to change.

While Fisher’s tenure ended on a disappointing note, Pate believes that the change in leadership has opened up new possibilities for the Aggies. In his analysis, Pate has noted that a fresh perspective in the form of a new head coach could be the catalyst needed for Texas A&M to take the next step. The decision to move on from Fisher signals that the program is willing to be aggressive in making changes that are in the best interest of its long-term success. Pate contends that, with the right leadership in place, Texas A&M has the resources, recruiting power, and fan support to return to the upper echelons of college football.

2. The Rise of the New Head Coach: A Vision for the Future

After parting ways with Fisher, Texas A&M quickly turned its attention to finding a new head coach—someone who could build on the program’s recruiting success and bring a new approach to the team. Pate is particularly optimistic about the selection of a new head coach who fits with the Aggies’ long-term vision.

While the specific details of who Texas A&M will hire have yet to fully unfold, Pate emphasizes the importance of finding a coach who has both experience and the ability to connect with recruits and build a cohesive, winning culture. The next head coach will have to be able to maximize the talent on the roster, particularly at the quarterback position, which has been a major area of concern for the Aggies.

Pate believes that the Aggies need someone who is not only capable of recruiting but also adept at developing players once they arrive on campus. Whether it’s building an effective offensive system or strengthening the team’s defense, the next coach will need to create a balance between on-field success and the ability to leverage Texas A&M’s powerful recruiting engine.

3. Recruiting Success: The Aggies Are Still a Powerhouse

Despite the challenges in recent years, Texas A&M has continued to recruit at a high level, particularly under Jimbo Fisher. The Aggies consistently rank among the top 10 recruiting classes in the nation and have produced some of the most talented players in the country.

Josh Pate sees this as a major reason why the status quo at Texas A&M is changing. The talent is there—what has been missing is the proper development, system, and leadership to make the most of it. Pate argues that once the program finds a coach who can unlock the potential of this roster, Texas A&M could quickly rise back to the top of the SEC. With elite recruits in both the 2024 and 2025 classes, the program is positioned to be a significant player in the conference for years to come.

Quarterback play, which has been inconsistent for the Aggies in recent years, remains a critical factor in their ability to reach the next level. Pate notes that Texas A&M will need to find a quarterback who can not only lead the offense but also elevate the team’s performance in big moments. The ability to develop a reliable signal-caller will be crucial for the Aggies to compete against the juggernauts of the SEC, like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.

4. The Changing Landscape of the SEC

Another reason why Pate believes Texas A&M’s status quo is shifting is due to the broader landscape of the SEC. With teams like Oklahoma and Texas set to join the conference in the near future, the SEC is poised for even greater competition and excitement. While this may present challenges for every team in the conference, Pate believes that Texas A&M is positioned to thrive in this new environment.

Pate points out that with the expansion of the conference, there will be new opportunities for teams like the Aggies to make an impact, especially as the dynamics of the conference evolve. In particular, the Aggies have the financial backing and facilities to compete at a high level, and they are no longer as far behind some of the SEC’s traditional powers as they once were. Texas A&M’s success in recruiting, combined with the influx of new teams into the conference, could create a fertile ground for the Aggies to make a mark on the SEC in the coming years.

Pate also notes that the SEC’s dominance in college football means that Texas A&M must be strategic in how they approach their future. With programs like Alabama and Georgia continuing to dominate, the Aggies will need to find ways to build a competitive edge—whether through superior recruiting, better player development, or innovative coaching strategies.

Implications for Texas A&M’s Future

As Texas A&M enters this new chapter with a fresh head coach and a changing landscape in the SEC, Josh Pate’s analysis of the shifting status quo provides optimism for the future of the program. The Aggies are no longer a team stuck in a cycle of underachievement—they have the pieces in place to become a powerhouse in the conference once again. Whether or not they will realize this potential will depend on the decisions they make in the coming years, from hiring the right coach to continuing to build on their recruiting success.

The key factors that Pate identifies—leadership changes, recruiting talent, and adapting to the changing SEC landscape—will all play a role in determining whether Texas A&M can take the next step and compete for championships. While the challenges ahead are significant, the program is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Aggies’ future

looks bright, but as Pate suggests, the road to greatness is never easy, and it will require a concerted effort from everyone involved. If Texas A&M can find the right leadership and maintain its recruiting momentum, they may very well be on the path to competing with the best of the best in the SEC. The next few years will be pivotal, and Texas A&M football fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future.