Discussing spring football, baseball, and Aggie men’s basketball with Travis L. Brown.

Travis L. Brown, a renowned sports journalist who covers Texas A&M University athletics, is no stranger to the excitement, drama, and highs and lows of the Aggies’ sports programs. As an insider for The Eagle, Brown has had front-row access to all the unfolding action in Aggie sports, from spring football practices to the crack of the bat in baseball and the ups and downs of Aggie men’s basketball. His deep knowledge and first-hand insights into the teams and their performances have made him a go-to source for fans who want to know what’s really going on behind the scenes.

In this discussion, we dive into an in-depth conversation with Travis L. Brown, covering a variety of topics related to Texas A&M athletics. From the optimism around spring football, to the continued growth of Aggie baseball, and the challenges faced by the men’s basketball team, Brown provides insight into the state of the programs, what fans can expect in the near future, and how all three teams are shaping up as we move through the year.

Spring Football: Rebuilding and Growing

Spring football at Texas A&M is always an exciting time. It marks the beginning of a new season, with fresh faces, new systems, and a renewed sense of purpose. For Texas A&M, the 2025 spring football practices are especially intriguing after the Aggies’ ups and downs in recent years. Mike Elko, who took over as the head coach in 2023, is continuing to mold his vision for the program, and fans are watching closely to see how the Aggies will look come fall.

Q: Travis, what’s the vibe around the Aggies’ spring football practice so far this year?

Travis L. Brown: There’s definitely a sense of anticipation this spring. The excitement is palpable because, while Elko has established himself as a strong defensive mind, this year is critical for the program’s overall growth. There’s still a lot of work to be done on the offensive side of the ball. They have a new offensive coordinator, and that’s a big change. The biggest thing fans are watching is the development at quarterback. Last year, the Aggies just didn’t get consistent play from the position, and it really hampered their overall success.

This spring, there’s a battle for the starting quarterback spot, with a few candidates vying for the job. The expectation is that whoever wins the job will need to be able to manage the offense effectively. Elko’s defensive identity is pretty set, but what will make or break the Aggies in the fall is their offensive consistency. The key focus this spring has been making sure that the offensive line improves and ensuring they have a reliable quarterback to lead them. A lot of the energy in practice is around that competition.

Q: Are there any standout players this spring that have caught your eye?

Travis L. Brown: Absolutely. One name that stands out is defensive lineman McKinley Jackson. He’s been a force on the defensive front. His leadership and ability to disrupt plays have really stood out during spring practices. From an offensive perspective, wide receiver Evan Stewart has continued to impress, showing that he has the potential to be a real game-changer for the Aggies.

The other player I think could make a significant impact is running back Le’Veon Moss. If he can stay healthy, he’s got the potential to really elevate the offense. There’s been a lot of talk about the offensive line’s improvement too, and if that group can gel, Moss has the kind of talent to take advantage of that.

Aggie Baseball: Sustaining Excellence

As spring rolls on, one of the more consistent and exciting programs at Texas A&M is the baseball team. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Schlossnagle, Aggie baseball has continued to make waves in the SEC and beyond. This year, fans are hopeful that the Aggies can build on their past successes and make another deep run in the postseason.

Q: Travis, what’s the outlook for Aggie baseball in 2025?

Travis L. Brown: The Aggies are in a strong position this year. Schlossnagle has really established a program that’s known for being competitive and consistently in the mix for SEC titles and NCAA tournament berths. This year’s team is no different. They’re balanced with strong pitching and a potent offense.

The big question for them, as always, will be the consistency of their pitching rotation. They’ve got some arms that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the SEC, but it’s about being able to put those performances together over a long season. If the Aggies can get solid, consistent outings from their starting rotation, this is a team that can make some noise.

Their offense has the potential to be explosive, especially with guys like Jack Moss, who can hit for both power and average. The Aggies have depth across the board, which is crucial in the SEC, where you face tough competition week in and week out. Overall, I think the goal for the team is to secure a top spot in the conference and position themselves well for a strong run in the postseason.

Q: Is there any player who has really stood out so far this season in your eyes?

Travis L. Brown: One player I’m really excited about is third baseman Trevor Werner. He’s a guy who can change a game with a single swing, and he’s consistently been a leader in their lineup. His bat is something that opposing pitchers have to be cautious of, and he’s shown the ability to come through in clutch moments. Another player who has really impressed me is their closer, Chris Cortez. He’s got the mentality and stuff to close out games in the SEC, which is no easy feat.

Aggie Men’s Basketball: Overcoming Challenges and Building for the Future

While Texas A&M’s football and baseball programs are firing on all cylinders, the men’s basketball team has faced more of an uphill battle. Coming off a season that saw them make a decent run in the SEC Tournament and even earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament, expectations for the program are rising. However, consistency and building upon their successes have been ongoing challenges.

Q: How would you assess the current state of Aggie men’s basketball?

Travis L. Brown: I think the state of the program is trending upward, but there’s a lot of work to do. Buzz Williams has done a great job of getting the team to compete at a high level, and they’ve made some strides, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. That’s been the hallmark of Buzz’s system — tough, physical defense. The Aggies are competitive in the SEC, but to take the next step, they need to be able to produce more consistently on offense, particularly in crunch-time situations.

Last year’s team showed flashes of greatness, but they also struggled with consistency. There were moments where they looked like they could be a real contender, but then they’d have stretches where they couldn’t close out games or get the big bucket when they needed it. For Aggie basketball to truly break through in the SEC and in the NCAA Tournament, they need to find that balance — strong defense, but more offensive fluidity.

Q: Any key players to watch for the upcoming season?

Travis L. Brown: One name to watch is Tyrece Radford, a guard who has become a real leader for the Aggies. His ability to score, facilitate, and be an emotional leader on the floor is crucial for this team. If Radford can continue to play at a high level, it could push Texas A&M into a more competitive place within the SEC.

Another player who has a lot of potential is Dexter Dennis. He’s got the defensive chops that Buzz Williams loves, but if he can be more consistent on offense, it will make a huge difference for the Aggies. The team also has some younger players coming up through the ranks who could make an impact, but it’s going to be a matter of how they can gel as a team.

Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Texas A&M athletics. Spring football offers hope for a more balanced offensive attack under Mike Elko, Aggie baseball continues to shine as a perennial powerhouse, and the men’s basketball team is poised to break through, though they must address their inconsistencies.

Q: Travis, what’s your biggest takeaway for Aggie fans as we move through the year?

Travis L. Brown: My biggest takeaway is that there’s a lot of reason for optimism across all three of these programs. With spring football ramping up, the Aggies look to be on the right track in terms of rebuilding their offensive identity. Baseball is always a threat in the SEC, and they’re positioned well for another solid run. Men’s basketball, while still a work in progress, is trending upward under Buzz Williams.

For Aggie fans, it’s about patience and understanding that while success may not come overnight in all three sports, the foundation is being built. With a strong coaching staff, a commitment to developing talent, and the passion of the fanbase behind them, Texas A&M has a bright future in athletics. The challenge is going to be maintaining that momentum, and if these programs can continue to push forward, Texas A&M will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.