Texas A&M football ‘truly upset’ from collapse last season, focused on finishing strong in 2025

For a program with the resources, recruiting reach, and fan fervor of Texas A&M football, a late-season collapse like the one they experienced in 2024 wasn’t just disappointing — it was unacceptable. Players, coaches, and alumni alike were left reeling after a season that began with promise but ended with missed opportunities, unfulfilled expectations, and lingering frustration. As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is clear: the Aggies are truly upset and fully focused on finishing strong.

Head coach Mike Elko, now in his second full season at the helm, has not shied away from the team’s struggles last year. Rather, he’s used them as fuel. Every film session, practice drill, and off-season workout has been geared toward one goal — redemption.

This article delves into the causes of the 2024 collapse, the mood within the Texas A&M locker room, the offseason response, and how the Aggies plan to reclaim their standing in the SEC and national spotlight in 2025.

The Collapse of 2024: A Season That Slipped Away

Texas A&M entered the 2024 season with high hopes. With a top-10 recruiting class, veteran leadership, and strong momentum under Coach Elko, fans were confident the team could compete for an SEC West title and perhaps even a College Football Playoff berth.

A Promising Start

The Aggies opened the season with a strong non-conference showing and followed it up with key SEC wins that had them well-positioned heading into October. Their defense showed flashes of dominance, and the offense — while inconsistent — had enough talent to stay competitive.

Midseason Unraveling

But in true fashion of recent A&M seasons, inconsistency began to creep in. A key road loss to a lower-ranked opponent exposed weaknesses in offensive execution and game management. Injuries, mental mistakes, and defensive lapses began to pile up.

By November, the team had fallen out of SEC title contention, and back-to-back losses to divisional rivals sealed their fate. What could’ve been a 10-win season with a prestigious bowl bid ended in a modest 7-5 record and another trip to a mid-tier bowl game.

Postseason Fallout

The locker room was quiet. Veterans who had come back for a chance at greatness were left wondering what went wrong. Some underclassmen entered the transfer portal. And while Coach Elko remained composed in public statements, insiders say he was “gutted” behind the scenes.

A New Attitude: From Frustration to Focus

The bitter taste of 2024’s collapse has lingered, but instead of letting it fester, the Aggies have chosen to channel that disappointment into motivation. The coaching staff, led by Elko, quickly turned the page.

Internal Reflection and Honest Conversations

Team captains met with coaches just days after the bowl game to discuss accountability, leadership, and the standards expected from players wearing the Texas A&M jersey. What came out of those conversations was a unified message: what happened last season will not happen again.

“I’ve never seen this group more locked in,” said defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, a returning senior and one of the team’s vocal leaders. “We let one slip away, and that’s on us. But this year — it’s personal.”

Offseason Overhaul

Several changes were made in the offseason to correct lingering issues:

• Strength & Conditioning: A revamped program was introduced to increase endurance and late-game performance.
• Offensive Adjustments: Elko brought in new analysts and restructured parts of the offensive staff to address play-calling and red-zone efficiency.
• Culture Building: Team-building sessions, leadership retreats, and alumni engagement became cornerstones of the Aggies’ offseason.

Roster Retention and Recruiting Momentum

Despite the turbulence, Texas A&M has managed to retain key players and secure a strong recruiting class for 2025.

Return of Key Players

While the transfer portal did claim a few backups and underutilized players, the Aggies retained the bulk of their core, including:

• Connor Weigman (QB): Now fully healthy, Weigman is expected to be the centerpiece of the offense.
• Evan Stewart (WR): The explosive receiver bypassed the NFL Draft for one more season to “finish the job.”
• Edgerrin Cooper (LB): One of the most consistent defenders, Cooper’s leadership will be critical for the front seven.

2025 Recruiting Class

Texas A&M’s 2025 class ranks among the top 10 nationally and features blue-chip prospects on both sides of the ball. Perhaps more importantly, the staff emphasized character and buy-in — seeking players who value program culture and commitment over hype.

Leadership from the Top: Mike Elko’s Steady Hand

Coach Mike Elko has made it clear that mediocrity is not acceptable in College Station. Since taking over the program, he has emphasized toughness, discipline, and accountability. While 2024 didn’t go as planned, many around the program believe that Elko’s leadership is what will ultimately steer the Aggies in the right direction.

“He’s as real as they come,” said offensive lineman Bryce Foster. “Coach Elko doesn’t sugarcoat anything. When we screw up, he tells us. When we succeed, he expects more.”

Elko’s approach has resonated with players, alumni, and donors alike. His calm demeanor, paired with a deep understanding of both sides of the ball, gives him credibility in a conference dominated by coaching giants.

Keys to a Strong 2025 Finish

With the 2025 season rapidly approaching, Texas A&M’s roadmap to redemption is clear. The Aggies will need to execute in several key areas to avoid a repeat of last year’s downfall.

1. Improved Offensive Consistency

The offense’s inability to sustain drives and finish in the red zone was a key issue last year. New wrinkles in the playbook and improved offensive line play must create a balanced attack that can move the chains and close out games.

2. Depth on Defense

Last season, injuries and fatigue caused defensive breakdowns late in games. Better depth — especially in the secondary and along the defensive line — will be critical to holding late-game leads.

3. Winning the Big Games

Texas A&M can no longer afford to underperform against SEC West opponents. Games against Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss will define their season. Winning at least two of those contests will be essential for postseason positioning.

4. Mental Toughness

Perhaps the biggest factor is intangible: belief. The Aggies must prove they can close out games, finish drives, and respond to adversity. That mental toughness is what separates great teams from good ones.

Fan and Alumni Expectations

Texas A&M has one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in college football. But with that loyalty comes pressure. After years of being labeled underachievers, the Aggie faithful are hungry for a breakthrough.

Kyle Field Atmosphere

Kyle Field remains one of the most intimidating venues in the country. If the Aggies can start strong in 2025, expect the “12th Man” to show up in full force.

Boosters and NIL Support

The Aggies continue to thrive in the NIL space, thanks to support from former players like Myles Garrett and a committed booster network. Financial backing has allowed Texas A&M to retain talent and remain competitive in recruiting.

Looking Ahead: Could 2025 Be the Breakout Year?

Texas A&M enters 2025 with a mix of caution and quiet confidence. The wounds from 2024 are still fresh, but that pain has hardened this team — not broken it.

With a strong returning core, improved leadership, and a coaching staff that has learned from past mistakes, the Aggies may finally have the right combination to break through.

A 10-win season, a New Year’s Six bowl appearance, or even a shot at the expanded College Football Playoff is not out of the question if things click.

 Redemption is the Mission

The phrase “truly upset” doesn’t just describe disappointment — it describes a team that knows it let opportunity slip through its fingers. But for Texas A&M, 2025 is about redemption. It’s about proving that the program can finish what it starts, rise above adversity, and compete with the best.

Coach Elko has laid the foundation. Now it’s up to the players to execute, the fans to support, and the program to rise.

Redemption isn’t a storyline. It’s a mission — and the Aggies are ready.

Let me know if you’d like this tailored further — such as quotes, position battles, or game-by-game analysis for 2025.