Marcel Reed Named Early Heisman Candidate - But Is Texas A&M Ready to Rally Behind Him?
It’s never too early for Heisman buzz, and Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed is starting to hear his name in that conversation. Listed among the way-too-early candidates for college football’s most prestigious award, Reed’s inclusion is both a nod to his breakout 2025 campaign and a challenge to take the next step in 2026.
Aggie fans already know what Reed brings to the table: athleticism, poise, and a dynamic dual-threat skill set that turned heads last season. As a sophomore, he threw for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air, while adding six more scores on the ground. That’s not just solid production - that’s the kind of stat line that puts you on the national radar.
But here’s the thing: the Heisman isn’t just about numbers. It’s about moments. And unfortunately for Reed, the moment that many Aggie fans remember most from 2025 wasn’t one of triumph - it was the College Football Playoff loss to Miami.
That game left a bitter taste. Miami didn’t play their best football, but Reed struggled when the lights were brightest, and some in the fanbase were quick to turn on him.
It’s a tough reality in college football - quarterbacks get the glory, but they also shoulder the blame. And when the stakes were high, Reed didn’t deliver the performance Aggies were hoping for.
Still, let’s not forget what led Texas A&M to that stage in the first place. Reed took over the starting job and gave the offense a spark it sorely needed.
Compared to the 2024 campaign under Conner Weigman, Reed’s emergence was a breath of fresh air. He brought rhythm, mobility, and a confidence that helped elevate the Aggies into playoff contention.
Now, heading into 2026, the question isn’t whether Reed has talent - it’s whether the fanbase is ready to fully back him as the guy. That support matters. In today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal is always looming, quarterbacks need belief from their program and their fans.
The early Heisman buzz is a sign of respect, but it also raises the bar. Reed will be chasing names like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Miami’s Malachi Toney, Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, and Oregon’s Dante Moore - all elite talents with major expectations. Reed may not be at their level just yet in the eyes of national analysts, but his inclusion on that list says a lot about what people think he could become.
So here we are: Marcel Reed, the dynamic junior quarterback with a big arm, quick feet, and a shot at greatness. The tools are there.
The opportunity is in front of him. And if Texas A&M fans can rally behind him - not just when things are going well, but when the road gets bumpy - 2026 could be the year Reed makes that leap from promising to elite.