Texas A&M Backfield Battle Just Took Shape Before Opening Day

All eyes are on Texas A&M's running back lineup as they showcase depth and potential during a crucial preseason practice.

Texas A&M’s 14th preseason practice offered one more long look at a team that seems to have real juice on both sides of the ball, with Saturday’s scrimmage serving as the last practice media could watch every snap before the 2026 season opener against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The biggest buzz again followed redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who kept rolling through another strong session. His deep ball stood out in particular. Reed connected with junior wide receiver Mario Craver on a 50-yard touchdown and was sharp to nearly every receiver he targeted before throwing two late interceptions.

That passing work came against a cornerback group that kept answering back. Texas A&M’s wide receivers and corners traded wins throughout the day, a good sign for a secondary that already looks, at least on paper, like one of the program’s deepest units and the main strength outside of wide receiver.

The clearest individual takeaway, though, came from the running back room. AggieYell insider Carter Karels had the best read on that group, especially redshirt junior Rueben Owens, who is trying to become the first Texas A&M running back to reach 800 rushing yards since current Miami Dolphins star De’Von Achane.

Owens looked like a back who has put last season’s balance problems behind him. He broke off a run of more than 40 yards on the left side and showed the kind of speed and agility that make him look like the Aggies’ lead option. Sophomore Jamarion Morrow also made his presence felt, along with freshmen KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker, and Morrow’s quick, slippery style gives Texas A&M another useful piece.

"Sophomore Jamarion Morrow should work well as the change-of-pace back behind Owens. He continued to look shifty in the open space and ran to the right for a first down while Reed took reps at quarterback in 11-on-11 action. "

With two weeks left before kickoff, Texas A&M could lean into a deep rotation if Morrow, Tiger Riden, and the two freshmen keep showing the same kind of pop they did in this scrimmage.

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