Texas A&M wrapped up their 2024 football season on a sour note, bringing to an end head coach Mike Elko’s first year at the helm. Despite closing the season with a 1-4 record and enduring back-to-back defeats to Texas and USC at the Las Vegas Bowl, there are plenty of positives to draw from.
The team’s challenges were exacerbated when star running back Le’Veon Moss was sidelined after eight games. His absence disrupted Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein’s strategy, mainly because of a shallow pool of running backs. Quarterback Marcel Reed, in his first year as a starter, faced his own hurdles in becoming a reliable pocket passer. To bolster the team, Elko turned to the transfer portal, successfully bringing in standout wide receivers KC Concepcion and sophomore Mario Craver. However, there’s a bit of a hiccup with former Texas Tech receiver Micah Hudson temporarily stepping away from the game.
Looking at the progress, particularly on the offensive line, there’s a reason for optimism. Offensive Line Coach Adam Cushing has demonstrated exceptional skill both in player development and recruitment. Meanwhile, as the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the Aggies are preparing to say goodbye to three starting defensive linemen—Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner. This situation presents an opportunity for senior edge rusher Cashius Howell and DE Rylan Kennedy, as well as new talent via the transfer portal, to step up.
There’s no denying that Mike Elko still has something to prove. Nevertheless, some in the college football media, including On3’s J.D. PicKell, believe the program’s future looks promising. PicKell placed Texas A&M in his Top 10 rankings for Power 5 programs primed for success in the coming three years, taking into account metrics like recruiting prowess, transfer portal outcomes, financial support, and overall culture.
Here’s the list of the Top 10 programs positioned for success over the next three years:
1. Texas Longhorns
2. Oregon Ducks
3. Georgia Bulldogs
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
6. Michigan Wolverines
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
8. LSU Tigers
9. Tennessee Volunteers
10. Texas A&M Aggies
Among these, nine teams have reached the College Football Playoffs, with Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and LSU capturing National Championships since the playoff system began.
Although Texas A&M isn’t universally recognized as a traditional powerhouse like the top eight on this list, the team’s strong recruiting efforts and financial backing have consistently earned them high rankings. Despite falling short of the College Football Playoffs and not clinching 10 victories in a season since 1998, the Aggies’ potential remains undeniable.
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This article was first published on Aggies Wire under the title: Texas A&M’s football program is reportedly set up for future success.