Texas A&M Enters Offseason with Momentum-and Questions-After Historic Playoff Berth
Texas A&M’s 2025 football season came to a screeching halt in the first round of the College Football Playoff, falling 10-3 to Miami in a defensive slugfest that saw the Aggies held without a touchdown for the first time all year. It was a tough way to end a breakthrough campaign, but make no mistake-this season marked a major step forward for the program under head coach Mike Elko.
Despite back-to-back losses to close the year, Elko’s first full season at the helm delivered something no coach in College Station had ever done: a trip to the CFP. That alone is a milestone worth celebrating.
Elko helped Texas A&M shed the weight of past late-season stumbles and finally break through the ceiling that had kept the Aggies just outside the national conversation for years. Now, the challenge is to build on that momentum-and do it amid a wave of changes.
Coaching Turnover Begins
The offseason shuffle has already begun. Elko is losing one of his top recruiters, defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson, who is heading to Kansas State to serve as defensive coordinator under Collin Klein. Peterson’s departure is a blow, especially considering his impact on the recruiting trail and player development in the secondary.
Meanwhile, defensive line coach Sean Spencer has taken a lateral move to Virginia Tech, leaving another key vacancy on the defensive staff. But Elko wasted no time filling that gap, bringing back a familiar face in Elijah Robinson. The former assistant head coach returns to Aggieland as co-defensive coordinator and D-line coach-a move that could pay immediate dividends, especially in the transfer portal.
Robinson’s first order of business? Reinforce the trenches. Texas A&M will need to reload up front, particularly on the defensive line, and Robinson’s recruiting chops will be critical in that effort.
Offensive Line in Flux
On the offensive side, line coach Adam Cushing has his work cut out for him. Both starting tackles are on their way out, and now the Aggies are also losing starting right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams, who’s headed to the NFL Draft after exhausting his eligibility. That leaves three starting spots up for grabs on the O-line-a unit that was instrumental in A&M’s success this season.
The Aggies are already eyeing potential reinforcements. One name to watch is Coen Echols, a former Texas A&M commit who started at left guard for LSU this past season. Echols just entered the transfer portal and could be a prime target to return to College Station.
At 6'4" and 315 pounds, Echols brings size and experience-and the tape to back it up. He logged 583 snaps in 2025, mostly at left guard, and posted impressive pass protection grades north of 80 against Ole Miss, Alabama, and Arkansas.
His run-blocking numbers were solid as well, especially in matchups against South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Western Kentucky. For a team looking to reload quickly in the trenches, Echols could be a plug-and-play solution.
Building on a Breakthrough
For Elko and the Aggies, the mission now is clear: build on a historic season without losing the edge that got them here. The playoff berth was a huge step, but the work is far from over. With staff changes underway and roster turnover looming, this offseason will be about retooling while keeping the culture intact.
Texas A&M proved in 2025 that it can compete at the highest level. Now, the challenge is to stay there-and that starts with smart hires, savvy portal moves, and continuing to raise the standard in College Station.