Mike Elko, head coach of Texas A&M, recently shared some insightful thoughts on what it takes to achieve greatness in sports during a conversation with college football analyst Josh Pate. As the Aggies gear up for the 2026 season, Elko's focus is clear: hard work and commitment are non-negotiable.
The discussion kicked off with Pate asking Elko about maintaining focus amidst the plethora of sports success stories flooding the internet. Elko emphasized the importance of looking beyond the flashy highlights and understanding the grind behind the glory.
He explained, “We talk about that a lot. You see the 4-second highlight you’re chasing, the draft moment, the guy walking across the stage at the NFL draft-that’s everywhere.
But how do we get there? In team meetings, it’s the old ‘if you wanna go to the NFL, raise your hand’… and everyone does.
It’s a reminder that every team in America is doing this. It’s the ones who act on it that achieve greatness.”
Elko also touched on the challenge of pulling entitlement out of players, especially in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. “You only grow when you don’t feel entitled to success.
With NIL, it’s harder, but it’s crucial. Success comes through work, and that’s the only way to find it.”
Despite a tough outing in the College Football Playoff, the Aggies showed significant progress under Elko’s leadership, winning 11 straight games before faltering late in the season against Texas and Miami. This improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 under Elko’s guidance is a testament to his philosophy.
Several Aggies have embraced Elko’s mindset and are gearing up for their first NFL season in 2026. The buzz around these players is palpable, with many expected to make waves in the upcoming draft. Keep an eye on those odds-they’re sure to be a hot topic as the draft approaches.