Mike Elko Gives Texas A&M QB Goals Second-year starter Marcel Reed

As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are high for Texas A&M’s football program, and a significant focus will undoubtedly be on the development of second-year quarterback Marcel Reed. After a promising but inconsistent debut season, Reed enters his second year under the leadership of head coach Mike Elko with a fresh set of expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities. Elko, known for his defensive acumen and leadership, has made it clear that Reed’s continued development will be crucial for the success of the Aggies in the SEC.

In an era where quarterback play is often the difference between a good and a great team, Mike Elko’s focus on his young quarterback’s growth is emblematic of the Aggies’ larger ambitions. While Reed showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman year, he also faced the growing pains typical of a first-year starter in a high-pressure environment. Now, Elko has outlined a series of goals and expectations for Reed in 2025, designed to elevate his game and lead Texas A&M back into the ranks of elite SEC contenders.

The Road to 2025: Marcel Reed’s Freshman Year

Before delving into the specifics of the goals Mike Elko has set for Reed, it’s important to assess Reed’s performance in his first season as the Aggies’ starting quarterback. As a true freshman, Reed was thrust into the spotlight, inheriting the starting job after the previous starter’s departure. Despite the high expectations that come with playing quarterback at a program like Texas A&M, Reed showed potential but also struggled at times with consistency and execution.

In 2024, Reed posted solid, but unspectacular numbers. He threw for just over 2,500 yards, completing 62% of his passes, with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. These statistics aren’t bad for a freshman, but there were moments when Reed’s performance faltered under pressure, especially in close games and against higher-ranked SEC defenses. Despite the ups and downs, there was no denying Reed’s raw talent — he possesses a strong arm, athleticism, and poise in the pocket that suggest he could become one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC if he continues to develop.

Elko has made it clear that the key to Reed’s success in 2025 will be improving on the foundation established during his freshman year. According to Elko, the goal is to see significant growth in Reed’s overall decision-making, consistency, and leadership. In many ways, Reed’s second year will be a defining moment for both his career and the direction of Texas A&M football.

Mike Elko’s Goals for Marcel Reed in 2025

1. Improving Decision-Making Under Pressure

One of the most important goals Elko has set for Reed is improving his decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations. As a freshman, Reed demonstrated the ability to make impressive throws, but his decision-making often came under scrutiny, especially when faced with heavy defensive pressure or late-game situations. His 10 interceptions in 2024 were largely the result of poor decisions or forcing throws into tight coverage, a common mistake for young quarterbacks still learning the nuances of college football.

Elko has emphasized that Reed must become more comfortable with making quick, effective decisions in the heat of the moment. This will involve developing better pocket awareness, recognizing defensive schemes before the snap, and trusting his instincts rather than trying to force plays that aren’t there. Elko wants Reed to be more selective with his throws and to avoid forcing passes into situations where they could result in turnovers.

A key element of this will be Reed’s ability to read defenses quickly and efficiently, a skill that comes with experience but can be accelerated with focused practice. Elko has stated that Reed should aim to be “more decisive” and “less reliant on improvisation,” meaning he needs to take what the defense gives him and not always try to make the perfect play. In Elko’s system, ball security is a top priority, and Reed’s ability to limit mistakes will be crucial to the success of the offense in 2025.

2. Developing Consistency in Mechanics and Accuracy

Another major goal for Reed is to develop more consistency in his mechanics and accuracy as a passer. While Reed has the physical tools to make all the necessary throws, he struggled with consistency last season, particularly on deep passes and when under pressure. This inconsistency can often lead to inaccurate throws and missed opportunities for big plays, and Elko is keen on helping Reed refine his mechanics to become a more reliable passer.

Elko and the Texas A&M coaching staff have worked with Reed to fine-tune his footwork, release point, and throwing motion to improve his overall accuracy. In 2024, Reed showed promise on intermediate throws but missed several opportunities on deep passes, a key area where the Aggies need to improve in 2025. By working on his mechanics, Reed will be better equipped to deliver accurate passes with velocity and touch, especially in tight windows against SEC defenses that are among the toughest in the country.

One area where Elko has placed particular emphasis is Reed’s ability to throw on the move. While Reed has demonstrated good mobility and an ability to escape pressure, his passing accuracy tends to dip when he’s forced to throw on the run. Improving his ability to make accurate throws while moving outside the pocket will be a critical development point for Reed as he faces more pressure from opposing defenses.

3. Leadership and Poise in Big Games

Leadership is an essential component of being a successful quarterback, and Elko has stressed that Reed must take on a more prominent role in this area in 2025. As a second-year starter, Reed is expected to be one of the team’s leaders, both on and off the field. This involves not only excelling in practice and games but also setting the tone for his teammates through his actions and demeanor.

Reed showed leadership potential in his freshman season, but he will need to be more vocal and assertive as a sophomore. Elko believes that Reed can be the emotional leader of the offense, especially in critical moments, and the quarterback’s ability to remain poised under pressure will be tested in some of the Aggies’ biggest matchups of the season.

Texas A&M’s 2025 schedule is filled with tough SEC opponents, and games against powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia will be key tests for Reed’s mental toughness and leadership. Elko has emphasized that Reed must be able to remain calm and composed, especially when things aren’t going well. In these moments, it will be Reed’s leadership that can rally the team and keep everyone focused on the task at hand.

4. Mastering the Aggies’ Offense and Playbook

A crucial goal for any quarterback is to master the offense in which they play, and Elko has placed a strong emphasis on Reed’s understanding of the Aggies’ playbook. In 2024, Reed was still learning the nuances of the system, and there were times when he struggled to execute the offense as efficiently as possible.

Elko has set the goal for Reed to become a true extension of the offensive coordinator, reading the defense and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage based on what he sees. This includes understanding how to utilize the full range of weapons at his disposal, from the running backs to the wide receivers and tight ends. A key aspect of this is Reed’s ability to read the defense pre-snap and make the necessary adjustments, whether it’s changing the protection, calling an audible, or taking advantage of a mismatch.

By having a thorough understanding of the offense, Reed will not only become a more effective quarterback but also a more trusted leader within the team. Elko has repeatedly said that Reed’s growth as a quarterback is tied to his ability to command the offense and make quick, intelligent decisions.

5. Increasing the Deep Ball Threat

For Texas A&M to be successful in 2025, one of the key goals for Reed is to improve the deep ball. The Aggies have several playmakers at wide receiver, and if Reed can develop a more consistent deep ball, the offense will become significantly more dangerous.

In 2024, Reed’s deep passing was hit or miss. While he showed the ability to throw deep when given the time and space, he often missed opportunities or failed to connect with his receivers on deep routes. Elko believes that improving Reed’s deep passing game will open up the entire playbook, allowing Texas A&M to stretch the field and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

The Road Ahead: Expectations for 2025

As Marcel Reed enters his second season under Mike Elko’s guidance, there is a sense of both excitement and cautious optimism surrounding the young quarterback’s future. While Reed certainly has the talent to lead Texas A&M to success, his development in 2025 will require focus, patience, and commitment.

Elko’s goals for Reed are clear: improved decision-making, consistency in mechanics, leadership, mastery of the offense, and an increased threat in the deep passing game. With these goals in mind, Reed has a chance to elevate his game and become one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, helping Texas A&M reach new heights in the highly competitive conference.

The 2025 season will be a pivotal year for both Reed and the Aggies, and how well Reed responds to these challenges will likely determine the direction of Texas A&M football in the years to come. With Elko’s guidance and the experience gained in his freshman year, Reed is poised to take the next step in his development — and perhaps, lead the Aggies back to prominence.