As Texas A&M gears up for spring football, the quarterback room is starting to take shape - and while all eyes are understandably on starter Marcel Reed, the conversation around who’s next in line is starting to matter more than just a little.
Reed is back under center, and that’s the headline. But in today’s game - where QB injuries can shift the entire trajectory of a season - depth at that position isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
So, who’s behind Reed? And more importantly, can that guy keep the offense afloat if called upon?
Right now, the most intriguing name in that mix is Brady Hart. The former early enrollee got to College Station ahead of schedule last year and saw limited action, mostly in mop-up duty against Samford.
But even in that small sample size, Hart showed flashes that suggest there’s something to build on. He looked composed, delivered the ball with accuracy, and showed a level of polish in his footwork and mechanics that you don’t always see from a freshman.
Hart’s game isn’t about fireworks - he’s more of a move-the-chains type than a deep-ball gunslinger. That’s a shift from former backup Miles O’Neal, who transferred out and had a more aggressive, downfield-oriented approach.
Hart, on the other hand, seems more comfortable operating within the structure of the offense, making smart decisions, and keeping drives alive. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional - and that can be a lifeline if Reed ever has to miss time.
There’s also a new name entering the fold: Helaman Casuga, a freshman out of Utah. On film, Casuga’s arm talent jumps off the screen.
He’s got touch, timing, and a natural feel for the position. Like Hart, he arrives with a solid foundation - his footwork and mechanics are already ahead of the curve for a first-year player.
That means the coaching staff won’t have to spend as much time fixing the basics and can focus more on integrating him into the system.
Still, let’s be real: at most programs, the drop-off from QB1 to QB2 is significant. That’s not unique to A&M - it’s just the nature of the position.
Few teams are truly equipped to lose their starter and keep rolling without missing a beat. The goal isn’t to find a backup who can win you the conference; it’s to have someone who can steady the ship and give you a chance to survive.
That’s why the real priority in College Station isn’t about identifying the next man up - it’s about making sure the first man doesn’t go down. The focus heading into spring ball will be on getting the most out of Marcel Reed, maximizing his development, and - maybe most importantly - keeping him upright. Because if Reed takes the next step and stays healthy, the Aggies won’t have to test their depth chart under fire.
But if they do, there’s at least a sense that Hart and Casuga provide a foundation to work with. They’re not just arms on the roster - they’re young quarterbacks with upside, and in today’s game, that’s something you absolutely need in your back pocket.