Texas A&M’s offense hasn’t had many easy answers this season, but freshman running back KJ Edwards has been the one constant that jumps off the page.
The former five-star prospect has taken over as the Aggies’ starting running back and earned the job outright with the kind of burst, cutting ability, vision and decision-making that have made him the most electric back on the roster. He’s already piled up 55 carries for 360 yards and two touchdowns, good for 6.5 yards per carry, and he has looked like Texas A&M’s most explosive runner since De'Von Achane.
That production has only been more impressive because of the context around it. Texas A&M sits at 4-4 overall and 1-4 in SEC play, and the offense has dealt with clear line issues. Even so, Edwards has kept finding ways to generate positive plays.
Pro Football Network’s latest college football rush success rate rankings back up what the eye test says. Edwards checked in fifth nationally with a 56.4% win rate, meaning more than half of his carries have produced positive yardage this season despite the blocking problems in front of him.
He’s also been one of the few real bright spots for the Aggies outside of transfer kicker David Olano, who remains perfect on field goal attempts.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M third-year coach Mike Elko will likely spend the offseason building around Edwards and rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow if both remain in College Station. There is also optimism that offensive line coach Adam Cushing can sort out the line issues with the talent already on the roster and additional help to come, especially with freshman guard Sam Rosebourgh and sophomore Lamont Rogers standing out.
For now, though, Edwards is the player giving Aggie fans a reason to keep watching. With four regular-season games left, that begins with a road trip to South Carolina in Week 10.
In Other News...
Marcel Reed Puts Texas A&Ms Next QB Decision In Focus
Marcel Reeds future has become one of the more important questions hanging over Texas A&M as the program looks ahead to the 2027 season. The redshirt junior still has one year of eligibility left, and after his recent performance, the Aggies are left weighing what his return would mean for the quarterback room and for the offense overall.
Nothing official has been announced, which keeps the situation open for now, but it also puts Texas A&Ms next move in sharper focus. If Reed does not come back, the Aggies could be forced to explore the transfer portal for help at quarterback, a decision that would shape the depth chart and the direction of the offense in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Faces One Recruiting Test Fans Can't Ignore
Texas A&Ms season has not made life easy on the recruiting trail, but Mike Elko and his staff are still trying to sell the bigger picture. The Aggies have spent much of the fall reinforcing the idea that their 2027 class is about more than short-term results, and that message appears to be resonating with four-star safety JayQuan Snell, who recently reaffirmed his commitment.
Elko has also made it clear the program is moving forward with Marcel Reed still entrenched as the starter, a decision that helps stabilize the conversation around what Texas A&M is building on offense. For a staff trying to hold together a promising class through a difficult stretch, the test is less about one player or one game than whether recruits continue to buy into the relationships and the long-range vision the Aggies are selling. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Secondary May Not Be The Real Defensive Problem
Texas A&Ms defense has spent much of the season under a microscope, and the pass rush has been the most obvious culprit. The Aggies have only seven sacks after posting a far more disruptive profile a year ago, and that drop has left the rest of the unit working from behind. The secondary, which coach Mike Elko praised before the season, has not exactly escaped blame either after allowing too many explosive plays in the early losses.
Even so, the numbers suggest the back end may not be the main issue. Texas A&M ranks fifth nationally in catch rate allowed percentage, a sign that the coverage has been steadier than the biggest breakdowns suggest. Dezz Ricks has also put together a notable season and helped his NFL Draft case, but the larger concern remains whether the defense can generate enough pressure up front to make everything else look cleaner. [Read more 🡒]