It’s officially game week in College Station, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. No.
7 Texas A&M (11-1, 7-1 SEC) is set to host No. 10 Miami (10-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday afternoon-a matchup that marks the most significant postseason moment in Aggie football history to date.
On Monday, head coach Mike Elko, along with wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, met with the media to preview the showdown. But it wasn’t just game talk that made headlines-there were also some notable updates on the coaching front and the health of key players.
Let’s start with the coaching news. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein, who was recently hired as the next head coach at Kansas State, will remain with Texas A&M through the playoff as the team’s play caller.
That continuity is crucial for an Aggie offense that’s found its rhythm down the stretch. Looking ahead, co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins will take over the offensive reins next season-a move that’s been expected for a while and now becomes official.
Now, to the question that’s been on every Aggie fan’s mind: What’s the status of star running back Le’Veon Moss?
Elko offered a cautiously optimistic update, saying every injured player is “great” and sounding generally upbeat about the team’s overall health. But when pressed specifically about Moss-who’s missed the last five games with an ankle injury-the second-year head coach didn’t give much away.
“We are kind of in wait-and-see mode with that one,” Elko said. “So we will see where that goes.”
Not exactly the definitive answer fans were hoping for, especially given how critical Moss is to this offense. His combination of power, vision, and burst has been sorely missed, and his presence would be a game-changer against a Miami front that’s been stout against the run all season long.
The Hurricanes have built their defensive identity around controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing teams to beat them through the air. If Moss is healthy and able to go, it gives the Aggies a much-needed physical edge and opens up the playbook for Klein, who’s already juggling the dual responsibilities of preparing for a playoff game and transitioning to a new job.
But even without a firm answer on Moss just yet, the fact that he’s been practicing and working his way back is a positive sign. The team’s first official injury report is due out Wednesday, and that could provide more clarity. Until then, it’s a waiting game.
What we do know is this: Texas A&M is entering the playoff with momentum, a talented roster, and a coaching staff that’s staying locked in despite some big-picture changes. The Aggies are battle-tested after a grueling SEC slate, and they’ll need every bit of that toughness against a Miami squad that’s hungry and capable of pulling off the upset.
Saturday’s game is more than just a playoff opener-it’s a defining moment for a program that’s been building toward this kind of opportunity for years. And whether Le’Veon Moss suits up or not, Texas A&M will need to bring its best to keep its championship hopes alive.