ESPN ranks Texas A\&M’s offseason as promising, citing strong recruiting and coaching changes, but concerns remain about consistency and execution.

As the dust settles on a transformative offseason in College Station, Texas A&M football finds itself at the center of national conversation. ESPN’s evaluation of the Aggies’ 2025 offseason has drawn a blend of cautious optimism and measured skepticism—highlighting what could be a turning point for one of the SEC’s most scrutinized programs.

According to ESPN’s offseason rankings, Texas A&M’s offseason was one of the most promising in college football, driven by a revamped coaching staff, a top-tier recruiting class, and key transfer acquisitions. Yet, the evaluation wasn’t without its caveats. Analysts pointed to a lingering question that has plagued the Aggies for years: Can they finally become consistent contenders in the SEC?

This offseason, more than any in recent memory, will either lay the foundation for a breakthrough or serve as yet another missed opportunity in the post-Johnny Manziel era. Let’s dive deep into why ESPN ranked Texas A&M’s offseason so highly, the specific changes that earned praise, and the looming concerns that must be addressed heading into the 2025 season.

The Coaching Overhaul: Elko’s Return Changes the Tone

The most impactful storyline of Texas A&M’s offseason was the return of Mike Elko—this time as head coach. Elko had previously served as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, helping build some of the most feared defensive units in the SEC during that period. After a successful stint as head coach at Duke, where he revived the program and led them to multiple winning seasons, Texas A&M brought him back to lead the entire operation.

ESPN lauded this move as “stabilizing and strategic,” citing Elko’s familiarity with the program, deep SEC experience, and proven leadership abilities. Unlike splash hires that bank on charisma or offensive fireworks, Elko’s return was a nod to pragmatism—a coach who knows what A&M demands and how to handle the expectations that come with it.

What stood out most to ESPN was the clear identity shift. Under Elko, the Aggies are already leaning into a more disciplined, detail-oriented approach, one that prioritizes defensive grit and accountability. Former head coach Jimbo Fisher’s tenure, though it brought recruiting success, often struggled with in-game mismanagement and stagnation. Elko represents a break from that cycle.

ESPN analysts noted:

“Texas A&M finally feels like it’s playing to its identity. Elko’s no-nonsense coaching style brings clarity after years of confusion. That alone makes this a top-five coaching move of the offseason.”

Recruiting Wins: Reloading the Roster with Elite Talent

As expected, the Aggies turned in another elite recruiting haul. Despite the coaching change, Texas A&M secured a top-10 recruiting class, landing several high-profile prospects on both sides of the ball. The continuity in recruiting success, despite offseason turbulence, caught the attention of national media.

Among the standouts:

• Landon Thorne, a five-star linebacker from Louisiana, widely considered one of the most complete defenders in the 2025 class.
• Tyrese Benton, a four-star quarterback who flipped his commitment from Oregon and is already drawing comparisons to past SEC greats.
• K.J. Jackson, an explosive defensive back expected to contribute immediately in Elko’s system.

In addition to high school recruiting, Texas A&M excelled in the transfer portal, bringing in experienced players to fill key depth gaps. Two of the most notable additions include:

• Marcus Bradley, a veteran defensive lineman from Maryland who adds size and experience to the Aggies’ interior.
• Javon McNeal, a wide receiver from SMU, known for his route-running and speed, who adds an instant boost to a position group that underperformed last season.

ESPN called the Aggies’ roster management “among the smartest and most balanced in the country,” highlighting the mix of developmental freshmen and plug-and-play transfers.

Strengthening the Culture: A Quiet Revolution

One thing ESPN noted in its offseason rankings—but which doesn’t often show up in traditional metrics—was the culture shift happening in College Station. Under Elko, insiders report a dramatically different environment in the locker room and during team meetings. There’s more structure, more competition, and less entitlement.

Under the previous regime, player discipline and leadership development were persistent issues. Elko has installed a leadership council, comprised of team-elected upperclassmen who now serve as the voice between the coaching staff and the locker room. According to ESPN, this structure has “fostered greater accountability than in any season since 2020.”

In short, it’s not just about X’s and O’s—it’s about the long-term buy-in. ESPN’s college football panel praised Texas A&M’s cultural momentum as a differentiator heading into the new season, especially with other SEC programs experiencing instability.

The Quarterback Question: Still Unsettled

Despite all the positives, ESPN’s assessment also included some major reservations—none more pressing than the uncertainty at quarterback.

The Aggies head into 2025 with two legitimate contenders: Marcel Reed, the mobile, dual-threat option with big-play potential, and Connor Weigman, the more traditional pocket passer with a high ceiling but inconsistent track record. While both players have upside, ESPN flagged this as the “biggest unknown” on the roster.

Under Fisher, quarterback development stagnated, and Elko must reverse that trend immediately. He’s brought in a new offensive coordinator, someone known for working with multiple styles of quarterbacks. Still, no starter has been named, and ESPN warns that a slow start at the QB position could derail early momentum.

“The Aggies don’t need a Heisman contender under center,” one ESPN analyst said. “They just need someone who can be efficient, protect the ball, and lead. That remains to be seen.”

Schedule Strength and the SEC Gauntlet

Another factor that tempered ESPN’s enthusiasm was the brutal schedule awaiting Texas A&M. In 2025, the Aggies face road games at LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn, while hosting Georgia and Texas, the latter now a full-fledged SEC rival.

Even with a strong roster and improved coaching, ESPN noted that navigating such a schedule without established quarterback play and offensive consistency is a major hurdle. The team’s success may not just hinge on talent but on in-game adjustments, depth, and endurance—areas that have often hurt A&M in recent seasons.

Nonetheless, ESPN believes the Aggies could play spoiler and possibly finish second or third in the SEC West, assuming quarterback play stabilizes and the defense lives up to expectations.

Fan Expectations and National Spotlight

The Aggie faithful are known for their passion and loyalty, but they’re also growing weary of “almost” seasons. With the SEC becoming even more competitive following the inclusion of Texas and Oklahoma, the pressure on Texas A&M to rise above mediocrity is enormous.

ESPN’s offseason analysis noted that Elko’s honeymoon period will be brief. Early success, particularly against rival Texas and in key conference games, will be crucial not just for bowl positioning, but for restoring trust among donors and fans, especially after the costly Fisher buyout.

Already, the 12th Man Foundation has started to push new fundraising initiatives aimed at building on the offseason’s momentum. A successful fall campaign could boost NIL collectives, stadium improvements, and recruiting budgets.

ESPN’s Bottom Line

In their final offseason assessment, ESPN placed Texas A&M among the top 10 most improved programs heading into the 2025 season. While they stopped short of calling the Aggies playoff contenders, their tone was markedly more optimistic than in past years.

Key reasons for the high ranking:

• Coaching clarity and leadership under Elko
• Balanced and deep recruiting class
• Immediate culture improvements
• Defensive strength and player buy-in

Key areas of concern:

• Unsettled quarterback situation
• Tough early-season schedule
• Need to prove offensive identity