Greg McElroy Makes a Startling Statement Regarding the Future of Texas A&M Football

In the world of college football, few programs generate as much passionate discussion and scrutiny as Texas A&M. Long viewed as a sleeping giant with immense resources, fan support, and access to top-tier talent, the Aggies have often fallen short of national expectations. However, in a recent episode of his “Always College Football” podcast, ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy made waves with a bold and startling claim: Texas A&M could be a legitimate contender in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) race.

This assertion, coming from a respected voice in college football media, sent ripples throughout the community. McElroy’s optimism isn’t blind hype—it’s rooted in data, coaching pedigree, and a recalibrated outlook for a program entering a pivotal chapter in its history. So, what exactly led McElroy to such a conclusion, and can Texas A&M truly ascend into college football’s upper echelon?

A New Beginning: The Mike Elko Era

Perhaps the most significant factor in McElroy’s optimism is the hiring of Mike Elko as Texas A&M’s head coach. Elko is no stranger to the Aggies; he served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021 under Jimbo Fisher, before leaving to take the head coaching job at Duke.

At Duke, Elko quickly established himself as a program builder. Inheriting a struggling team, he led the Blue Devils to consecutive bowl appearances and revitalized their defense. His reputation as a disciplinarian and defensive tactician preceded him, and his familiarity with Texas A&M’s culture, expectations, and recruiting base made him a natural choice to succeed Fisher.

McElroy emphasized Elko’s leadership as a major reason to believe in a turnaround:

“Mike Elko is the right man at the right time for this program. He understands what A&M is and what it can be. His teams don’t beat themselves, and that’s exactly what the Aggies have needed.”

Elko’s re-entry comes at a time when Texas A&M desperately seeks consistency and identity. His focus on accountability and fundamentals is expected to bring a level of discipline that was often lacking during the previous regime.

Retaining Core Talent Amidst Departures

One of the most eye-catching statistics cited by McElroy is that Texas A&M ranks 18th nationally in returning production for the 2024 season. This may come as a surprise to many observers, especially given the high-profile departures of players like defensive lineman Walter Nolen and wide receiver Evan Stewart via the transfer portal.

Yet, despite these losses, the Aggies have retained a solid core of experienced starters and contributors. On both sides of the ball, several veterans are returning, including key offensive linemen, defensive stalwarts, and rising stars in the secondary. This continuity gives Elko a much stronger starting point than many first-year coaches enjoy.

McElroy remarked:

“People are focusing on who left, but they’re not talking enough about who stayed. This team still has top-tier SEC talent. It’s not a rebuild—it’s a realignment.”

Indeed, programs like Texas A&M—recruiting at a top-10 level year after year—often have the luxury of depth. The challenge is transforming that depth into performance, something Elko has proven he can do.

Offensive Uncertainty, But Promising Potential

Offense has often been the Achilles’ heel for Texas A&M in recent seasons. Under Jimbo Fisher, the unit struggled with inconsistency, outdated schemes, and poor quarterback development. While the Aggies boast top athletes at the skill positions, they haven’t consistently translated that talent into production.

McElroy acknowledged the questions on offense—particularly on the offensive line and at quarterback—but expressed measured optimism.

“There’s potential here. They have some guys in the backfield who can make plays, and if they get solid quarterback play, they’ll be dangerous.”

Key to this optimism is the development of the offensive line and the performance of the quarterback—whether it’s Conner Weigman, Max Johnson, or another contender. Additionally, the return of several wide receivers and running backs gives the unit a chance to hit the ground running.

The offensive staff Elko assembled, including offensive coordinator Collin Klein, formerly of Kansas State, is expected to install a more modern, balanced system. Klein’s work with dual-threat quarterbacks and dynamic run schemes could help unlock the Aggies’ offensive ceiling.

Defense: Elko’s Calling Card

If the offense is a work in progress, the defense is where Elko’s impact should be felt immediately. As one of the nation’s top defensive minds, Elko inherits a unit that, despite inconsistency, has shown flashes of dominance. In 2023, Texas A&M ranked near the top of the SEC in several defensive categories, including sacks and tackles for loss.

While the departure of linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is a significant blow, the Aggies return a strong core of defensive linemen and secondary players. Players like Shemar Turner, Bryce Anderson, and Demani Richardson will be vital to the team’s success.

McElroy highlighted the defense as a potential difference-maker:

“They’re going to be physical and fundamentally sound. If the defense can carry them early, it gives the offense time to find its rhythm.”

Given Elko’s track record, it’s reasonable to expect Texas A&M’s defense to be among the best in the conference, particularly if the team stays healthy.

Schedule and the Expanded Playoff

Another reason McElroy believes Texas A&M could crash the CFP party is the change in postseason format. Starting in 2024, the College Football Playoff will expand to 12 teams, giving programs like the Aggies a much wider path to inclusion.

While Texas A&M’s 2024 schedule is not easy—featuring matchups against SEC powers like Alabama, LSU, and Texas—it’s also navigable. The new format means that a two- or even three-loss SEC team can realistically qualify for the playoff, provided they show enough quality wins and competitive play.

McElroy explained:

“In a 4-team playoff, A&M would be a long shot. In a 12-team format, they’re firmly in the mix. If they go 9-3 with a strong résumé, they’re absolutely in the conversation.”

That shift changes the calculus for teams like Texas A&M, which have often played spoiler in past seasons but now have a legitimate opportunity to stake their claim.

The Bigger Picture: Identity and Expectation

Underlying McElroy’s claim is a broader point about identity. For years, Texas A&M has flirted with relevance without fully establishing a consistent identity on the field. Between coaching turnover, offensive instability, and underwhelming results in big games, the program often seemed like it was a few steps behind its potential.

Mike Elko represents an opportunity to change that. His return signals a pivot back to discipline, toughness, and player development. The Aggies don’t need to win the SEC West in Year 1 to be considered a success—they need to establish who they are and how they win.

McElroy summed up the potential impact:

“This is a team that, if it finds itself early, could become very dangerous late in the season. They’re no longer a punchline—they’re a problem.”

Greg McElroy’s startling statement about Texas A&M’s playoff chances may seem bold on the surface, especially given the team’s recent struggles. But when you dig into the context—the new coaching staff, retained talent, defensive upside, and the expanded playoff—it becomes less of a long shot and more of a plausible scenario.

In many ways, 2024 represents a crossroads for Texas A&M football. With a new coach, a changing postseason structure, and a hungry fanbase, the program is poised for either resurgence or renewed disappointment. If Mike Elko can harness the talent, instill discipline, and establish consistency, the Aggies could very well prove McElroy right.

Only time will tell whether Texas A&M fulfills its immense promise. But for now, McElroy has issued a challenge—not just to the Aggies, but to the college football world: Don’t sleep on Texas A&M in 2024.