Texas A&M isn’t playing this week, but the conversation around the Aggies certainly isn’t taking a break.
During Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, third-year coach Mike Elko used the bye-week spotlight to touch on recruiting, stress the value of relationships, and stand by struggling quarterback Marcel Reed. Elko also made it clear that Reed will stay in the starting job “until further notice.”
That call has already drawn plenty of pushback from fans and from plenty of people around the media, especially with sophomore backup Brady Hart drawing interest after showing some promise in limited action against The Citadel. For now, though, Elko is sticking with Reed.
The timing matters because Texas A&M is coming off a 31-20 loss to Alabama last Saturday, and the bye week gives the staff a chance to reset without another game on the immediate horizon. What happens next will shape the final stretch of the season, with the Aggies trying to put together a run that gets them to either 8-4 or, at minimum, 6-6.
Neither finish would exactly fire up the fan base, but either one could at least create some momentum heading into the offseason. That would be especially true if Elko makes major staff changes and moves on from first-year offensive and defensive play-callers Holmon Wiggins and Lyle Hemphill. Add in the possibility of bringing in a new quarterback through the transfer portal, and there would at least be a path back toward optimism.
Texas A&M is one of six SEC teams on a Week 9 bye in the 2026 college football season.
No. 8 Kentucky, No.
10 Alabama, No. 13 LSU, No.
17 Tennessee and Vanderbilt are also off this week.
The Aggies return Nov. 7 at South Carolina in Columbia. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. CT, and the game will air on ESPN.
Texas A&M’s schedule so far has included wins over Missouri State, Arizona State, Arkansas and The Citadel, along with losses to Kentucky, LSU, Missouri and Alabama.
Here’s the full slate:
Sept. 5: vs. Missouri State (W, 50-0)
Sept. 12: vs. Arizona State (W, 48-20)
Sept. 19: vs. Kentucky Wildcats (L, 31-21)
Sept. 26: at LSU (L, 35-6)
Oct. 3: vs. Arkansas (W, 34-7)
Oct. 10: at Missouri (L, 27-6)
Oct. 17: vs. The Citadel (W, 41-0)
Oct. 24: at Alabama Crimson Tide (L, 31-20)
Nov. 7: at South Carolina Gamecocks, 2:00 p.m., ESPN
Nov. 14: vs. Tennessee Volunteers, TBA
Nov. 21: at Oklahoma Sooners, TBA
Nov. 28: vs. Texas Longhorns, 6:30 p.m., ABC
In Other News...
Mississippi State Is Forced Into A Texas QB Move That Matters To A&M
Mississippi States quarterback situation took another turn this week when Kamario Taylor was ruled out for the rest of the season with turf toe, leaving the Bulldogs to pivot again as they prepare for No. 11 Texas. Senior AJ Swann will get the start, stepping in after previously working as a backup and bringing a winding college path that has included stops at Vanderbilt, LSU and Appalachian State.
For Texas A&M, the move matters because Mississippi States offense now has a different look heading into a game that can ripple through the SEC race. Swann replaces freshman Parker Puckett at the top of the depth chart, and the Bulldogs will be asking a veteran reserve to steady things against a ranked opponent in a matchup that could have downstream implications for teams watching the standings closely. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Just Got A Big Recruiting Boost At Linebacker
Texas A&Ms 2027 recruiting class took a brief hit when four-star linebacker Aston Whiteside flipped to Miami, but the bigger picture in College Station still looks strong. The Aggies remain No. 1 in the national class rankings, and the linebacker haul continues to give the staff plenty to sell as the cycle moves forward.
Kaden Henderson is a big part of that momentum. The five-star linebacker turned in a standout performance in a recent high school game and is expected to push for a starting role once he gets to Texas A&M, which only adds to the anticipation around his arrival. He also confirmed he will be in town for the Aggies Nov. 14 game against Tennessee, a visit that should give him another close look at the program he may soon help anchor. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Bye Week Puts One Frustrating Question Front And Center
Texas A&M is using its Week 10 bye the way most good teams hope to use one, by getting healthier and taking a hard look at what has worked and what still needs cleaning up. Mike Elko said the Aggies are spending the week resting players and evaluating performance as they turn toward a Nov. 7 meeting with South Carolina, a stretch that should tell them a lot about where they stand heading into the final push.
Marcel Reed remains the starter, which at least settles one part of the conversation, even if his play has left some room for debate. For Texas A&M, the bye is less about a reset than a chance to sharpen the game plan and get the offense and the rest of the roster in better shape before the schedule tightens again. [Read more 🡒]