More than 30 years have passed since Texas A&M had consecutive 10-win seasons. Ending the drought likely requires an improved quarterback Marcel Reed and an effective offensive line. Head coach Mike Elko appears confident. “I think we have a unique opportunity to double down on success,” he says. “We have found ways, at times over the years, to hit one-year peaks. The next step for us is consistently being a top-10 team, consistently being a playoff team, consistently being a team that finishes and gets to Atlanta.”
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Texas A&M Football: 2026 Aggies Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing Texas A&M's Offense for 2026
The Aggies have no shortage of big-play ability. They need consistency, though, and that starts with junior quarterback Marcel Reed. Last season, Reed passed for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. He rushed for another 493 yards and six TDs. But he threw a dozen interceptions and struggled in season-closing losses to Texas and Miami (Fla.). New offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins and quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch are tasked with helping Reed boost production and stability.
The return of leading rusher Rueben Owens II will help. So will All-SEC receiver Mario Craver, who had 917 receiving yards in 2025. Craver is joined by Ashton Bethel-Roman, who also emerged in the second half of last season, and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton. The 6-foot-4 Horton fills a need for a big receiver who can win on 50-50 balls.
Center Mark Nabou Jr. is the only returning starter on the offensive line. However, A&M restocked the line with four transfers with SEC starting experience. The most notable additions are tackles Wilkin Formby from Alabama and Tyree Adams from LSU.
Previewing Texas A&M's Defense for 2026
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The secondary projects as the strength of the defense. Safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks and cornerback Dezz Ricks are proven. The Aggies were third in the SEC in passing defense last season. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they managed only three interceptions, a total that must rise.
A&M was fourth in the nation in sacks last season, but SEC Defensive Player of the Year Cashius Howell is gone. Fingers are crossed that sophomore Marco Jones or transfer Anto Saka can step into Howell’s role and lead another fierce pass rush.
Linebacker Ray Coney, a transfer from Tulsa, was 10th in the nation in tackles. Perhaps he can help end the Aggies’ frustrating tendency to give up long runs.
Previewing Texas A&M's Specialists for 2026
Illinois transfer David Olano should remedy an erratic kicking game. His career field goal success rate is 86%, which would be a massive upgrade. A&M has a history of explosive return specialists. Craver (punts) and fellow wideout Terry Bussey (kickoffs) can continue that trend.
