Texas A&M's 2025 Season: A Historic Step Forward, Even With the Stumbles
It’s easy to let the final score of a season cloud the bigger picture. Yes, Texas A&M’s 2025 campaign ended with a sting-another late-season skid and a quick playoff exit-but stepping back, it's hard to overlook how far the Aggies have come under Mike Elko in just two years.
Let’s be honest: coming into the season, most projections had the Aggies pegged as a solid, but unspectacular, 8-4 team. A bowl game?
Sure. But a College Football Playoff berth?
That felt like a stretch. And yet, here we are, talking about an 11-1 regular season and Texas A&M’s first-ever trip to the CFP.
That’s not just progress-that’s a program turning a corner.
From the Shadows of the Jimbo Era to a New Identity
Not long ago, the Aggies were still trying to shake off the inconsistencies of the Jimbo Fisher era. Despite reeling in the most decorated recruiting class in college football history, the results on the field didn’t match the hype. Low points like the loss to unranked Appalachian State still lingered in the fanbase’s memory.
But Elko has started to change that narrative. His second season brought a different energy-one that translated into wins, resilience, and a belief that this team could compete with the nation’s best. And while the season didn’t end the way Aggie fans hoped, it still marked a historic high for the program.
The Lows: Familiar Pain, Familiar Timing
That said, there’s no sugarcoating the way the season ended. If there’s a knock on Elko’s young tenure, it’s this: his teams haven’t closed well.
In Year 1, the Aggies were flying high at 7-1 before things unraveled. Losses to South Carolina, Auburn, and Texas derailed what could’ve been a special season. Then came the Las Vegas Bowl against USC-a game that exposed A&M’s late-game struggles and inability to finish.
Fast forward to this season, and the pattern repeated itself. Despite an 11-1 regular season and a school-record comeback against South Carolina, the Aggies faltered when it mattered most.
Offensive playcalling stalled. Marcel Reed, who had otherwise shown growth, struggled in key moments.
The run defense cracked. And once again, Texas delivered a gut punch.
The playoff loss to Miami only deepened the sting.
In the biggest moments, both sides of the ball just never seemed to click at the same time. That’s the next hurdle for Elko and his staff-finding a way to get this team to close like a champion.
The Departures: A Changing of the Guard
The offseason won’t be quiet in College Station. Both coordinators are moving on-offensive play-caller Collin Klein is heading back to his alma mater, Kansas State, to take over as head coach. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is off to Kentucky.
And the roster? Expect some significant turnover.
Defensive end Cashius Howell, wideout KC Concepcion, linebacker Taurean York, and offensive lineman Chase Bisontis are all likely bound for the NFL. Unless there are some surprise returns, those are major holes to fill on both sides of the ball.
But even with that turnover, there’s a sense that Elko has built a foundation that can weather change.
The Highs: Program-Building Wins and a New Identity
Let’s not lose sight of what made this season so special. Elko didn’t just win games-he won meaningful games that reshaped the perception of Texas A&M football.
The comeback win against Notre Dame-just months removed from the Irish playing in the national title game-set the tone. The Aggies followed that with a statement win over Auburn, a dominant second half against LSU in Death Valley, and a 28-point rally to beat South Carolina. Those aren’t just wins-they’re culture-defining moments.
And while some critics have pointed to the Aggies’ strength of schedule, that narrative doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. LSU, South Carolina, and Florida were all ranked ahead of A&M at various points.
The Aggies took care of business while others didn’t. That’s not a knock on A&M-that’s the mark of a team doing its job.
Marcel Reed’s Growth and Elko’s Portal Prowess
Reed’s development as the full-time starter was another bright spot. He wasn’t perfect-especially in the season’s biggest moments-but his growth from 2024 to 2025 was evident. If he takes another step forward next year, A&M’s offense could reach another level.
And credit Elko for how he’s used the transfer portal. While some coaches chase stars, Elko finds fits.
Guys like Mario Craver, KC Concepcion, and tight end Nate Boerkircher weren’t just plug-ins-they became key contributors. That’s a sign of a coach who understands team-building, not just talent acquisition.
What’s Next?
The program still has work to do. The late-season collapses can’t become the norm, and Elko will need to nail his coordinator hires and keep the talent pipeline flowing. But make no mistake-this season was a breakthrough.
For the first time, the Aggies weren’t just in the national conversation-they were part of the final four. That’s a milestone worth celebrating, even if the ending stings.
So while the 12th Man may be frustrated by how things ended, there’s a lot to be excited about. The Elko era is off to a historic start. And if the Aggies can turn those late-season stumbles into strong finishes, the ceiling gets even higher.