The latest release from Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 players of the 2025 college football season offers a revealing look at just how close Texas A&M came to breaking through for a national title. Four Aggies made the cut, and while other programs may boast more names on the list, what stands out is the impact and efficiency of the talent Mike Elko brought in-especially through the transfer portal.
Let’s start with the bigger picture: Texas A&M was arguably the class of the SEC for much of the season. That is, until a late stumble against Texas and a College Football Playoff loss to Miami derailed what could’ve been a championship run. But the foundation Elko laid, particularly with key transfers, shows this program isn’t just knocking on the door-it’s ready to kick it down.
Three of the four Aggies on the Top 101 list were transfers, a testament to Elko’s aggressive and effective use of the portal. KC Concepcion, who checked in at No. 76, was a revelation.
After a quiet stint at NC State, he found his stride in College Station, racking up 61 catches for 919 yards and 10 total touchdowns. He didn’t just fit into the Aggies’ offense-he elevated it.
His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches gave Texas A&M a dynamic weapon they desperately needed after earlier misses with Noah Thomas and Jabre Barber.
Then there’s Mario Craver, ranked No. 67, who made his presence known with a breakout performance against Notre Dame. Craver finished the season with 59 receptions, 917 yards, and five touchdowns. His speed and route-running made him a matchup nightmare, and his emergence gave the Aggies a legitimate one-two punch at receiver.
Defensively, Cashius Howell was nothing short of dominant. The SEC Player of the Year landed at No. 82 on the list, but his impact was far greater than the number suggests.
With 12 sacks-tied for fifth-most in the country-Howell was a force off the edge all season long. He set the tone early and never let up, and it’s no surprise that most mock drafts have him pegged as a late first-rounder.
Taurean York, who came in at No. 62, quietly put together one of the most efficient linebacker seasons in the nation. According to PFF, he ranked third among all linebackers in wins above average and earned a 90.8 coverage grade-second-best among Power Four linebackers. That kind of versatility and consistency is rare, and York brought it every week.
Looking ahead, Elko isn’t slowing down. With players like Tawfiq Byard, CJ Mims, and Ray Coney expected to step into starting roles next season, the Aggies are reloading, not rebuilding.
Elko has shown he can identify talent, bring it in, and put it in position to thrive. That’s not just good coaching-it’s elite roster management.
Texas A&M didn’t get the ending it wanted in 2025, but the pieces were there. Four players on the Top 101 list, three of them transfers, and a coach who’s proven he can build a contender in today’s college football landscape. If this season was any indication, the Aggies are just getting started.