In a notable oversight, Texas A&M's football program, fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025, has been excluded from On3's recent assessment of the top 10 college football offenses. This omission comes despite the team's ability to consistently score over 30 points per game in the previous season and their proactive efforts in strengthening the roster through the transfer portal. The team has undergone significant strategic shifts, including a change in offensive leadership, all designed to refine and elevate their offensive capabilities.
Following their initial round defeat to Miami in the 2025 College Football Playoff, the necessity for starting quarterback Marcel Reed to refine certain aspects of his game, particularly in minimizing errors against formidable defenses, became evident. Simultaneously, the Aggies prepared for the departure of wide receiver KC Concepcion to the NFL Draft. With coach Mike Elko commencing his third season, the program experienced a significant change in its coaching staff. Collin Klein, who served as the offensive coordinator, departed to become the head coach at Kansas State. In response, Elko opted for internal promotions, elevating Holmon Wiggins to the role of offensive coordinator and playcaller, while Lyle Hemphill assumed the responsibilities of defensive coordinator after Jay Bateman's move to Kentucky.
Upon Marcel Reed's confirmation of his return, Elko and his coaching team actively engaged with the transfer portal, securing 17 new players. Among these additions was Isaiah Horton, a wide receiver from Alabama, whose physical presence at 6'4" complements the talents of junior wideout Mario Craver. Craver had a productive first season in College Station, recording 59 receptions, 917 yards, and four touchdowns. In the backfield, Rueben Owens, a redshirt junior and former five-star recruit, is poised to take over from Le'Veon Moss as the primary running back. However, sophomore Jamarion Morrow, noted for his agile running style, is also a strong contender for the starting position as the preseason approaches.
Despite his previous season's performance, where he completed 62% of his passes for 3,169 yards, contributed 25 touchdowns, and had 12 interceptions, alongside 493 rushing yards and six scores, Marcel Reed and the Aggies' offensive unit face a challenge. While Reed possesses the physical attributes and the supporting cast of wide receivers to excel, the integration of four new starting offensive linemen could present initial difficulties in pass protection. Nevertheless, expectations for the Aggie offense remain high, fueled by their past scoring prowess and strategic acquisitions.
Despite averaging over 30 points per game in the preceding season, J.D. PicKell of On3 did not include Texas A&M in his latest ranking of the top 10 college football offenses. Interestingly, his list featured teams like Indiana and Texas Tech, both of which are set to introduce new starting quarterbacks. While Marcel Reed undoubtedly has areas to demonstrate improvement, the Aggies' current roster and offensive scheme appear well-positioned to maintain or even surpass their previous season's scoring average, suggesting their exclusion from the top 10 might be premature.
