If you’ve been following Texas A&M football over the last decade, you know the story: elite recruiting classes, sky-high expectations, and then… well, a lot of waiting around for the breakthrough that never quite came. But according to Greg McElroy, 2026 might finally be the year that changes. In his words, the Aggies have moved past the blueprint phase - the mansion is built, the furniture is in, and now it’s time to defend the house.
McElroy’s analogy hits home for a fanbase that’s had its patience tested. He likened the experience of rooting for Texas A&M to dating a “brilliant, high-profile architect” who keeps promising to build you a dream home - only to get stuck in the planning stages year after year. But that narrative, he says, shifted when Mike Elko took over in 2024.
Elko’s arrival brought structure and, more importantly, results. 2024 was the introduction. 2025?
That was proof of concept - and an 11-0 start is about as strong a proof as you can ask for. Now, heading into 2026, McElroy believes it’s no longer about potential.
It’s about performance. This is the year the Aggies need to cash in.
Oddsmakers seem to agree. Texas A&M is currently sitting at +1500 to win the National Championship, per BetMGM. That doesn’t make them the favorite, but it firmly places them in the conversation - and with good reason.
Let’s start with the offense. Quarterback Marcel Reed made serious strides last season, showing the kind of growth that should have Aggie fans excited about what’s next.
Even with a new offensive coordinator in place, McElroy expects Reed to keep trending upward. That’s a big statement, and it speaks to the confidence in both the player and the system Elko is building around him.
But it’s the defense - specifically the front seven - that could be the real game-changer. McElroy highlighted just how disruptive this group can be when it’s firing on all cylinders.
If they stay healthy and play to their potential, they won’t just slow down opposing offenses - they’ll wreck them. That kind of dominance in the trenches is what separates good teams from true contenders in January.
“Texas A&M isn’t just a contender,” McElroy said. “They are a team that could very easily knock someone off in January and make a legitimate run.”
And that’s the key. This isn’t about hype anymore.
It’s about opportunity. The pieces are in place - a rising quarterback, a nasty defensive front, and a head coach who’s brought clarity and consistency to a program that desperately needed both.
Now it’s time to see if the Aggies can turn all that promise into something real.
Because in 2026, there are no more excuses.