In a College Football Playoff showdown that came down to the wire, No. 7-seed Texas A&M saw its season end in heartbreak, falling 10-3 to 10-seed Miami. The Aggies had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, driving all the way to the Hurricanes' 5-yard line. But with under 30 seconds left, sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed’s second interception of the game sealed their fate - a mistimed throw behind Melin Ohrstrom that was snagged by Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald.
It was a tough ending to what had been a breakout year for Reed, who wrapped up the game completing 25 of 39 passes for 237 yards. He also led the Aggies in rushing on the day, adding 27 yards on 15 carries. The stat line might not jump off the page, but it was emblematic of Reed’s dual-threat ability - a trait that helped power Texas A&M to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
While the loss stings, there’s no question Reed took a major step forward in 2025. Over the course of the season, he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 466 yards and six scores on the ground. His most electric performance came back on November 15, when he lit up South Carolina for 439 passing yards in a dramatic come-from-behind win - one of five games this season in which he tossed at least three touchdown passes.
After the game, head coach Mike Elko didn’t shy away from addressing the bitter ending, but he also made it clear that Reed’s development this season is something to build on.
“He’s still a young quarterback,” Elko said. “I still think there’s a lot of room for development and growth from him.
I think he saw major strides this year. But I still think there’s a ceiling there that he’s not close to hitting.”
That sentiment speaks volumes. Reed’s physical tools are obvious - the arm strength, the mobility, the poise under pressure. But what Elko is pointing to is the next phase of Reed’s evolution: refining decision-making, tightening mechanics, and learning how to finish drives in the red zone - especially in playoff moments like this one.
For Texas A&M, the 11-2 finish and CFP berth mark a significant step forward under Elko’s leadership. But if the Aggies want to take the next leap - from playoff participant to national title contender - it’s going to hinge on Reed’s continued growth.
The foundation is there. The flashes are undeniable.
Now it’s about turning potential into production, and heartbreak into hunger.
This season may have ended five yards short, but the story of Marcel Reed and this Texas A&M team is far from finished.