Texas A&M’s quarterback room is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines of the 2026 offseason - not because of a splashy transfer or a clear-cut QB battle, but because of what hasn’t happened yet. Head coach Mike Elko and new quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch have yet to bring in a veteran arm from the portal, leaving the Aggies with a young but promising group led by redshirt junior Marcel Reed.
Reed’s return for the 2026 campaign gives A&M a steady hand at the top of the depth chart. He’s got experience in the system and enough upside to keep the offense on track. But the real intrigue starts behind him.
With 2025 backup Miles O’Neill transferring to North Carolina earlier in the year, the No. 2 spot is suddenly up for grabs - and it looks like sophomore Brady Hart is the early favorite. Hart spent last season as the third-stringer, but don’t let the depth chart fool you.
The coaching staff has been high on the former Michigan commit, praising his maturity, poise, and accuracy - all rare traits for the youngest player on the roster last year. He may not have seen meaningful snaps yet, but with a year in the system and a skillset that fits what Elko wants from a pocket passer, Hart is in a strong position to step up.
But there’s a wildcard in the mix: Helaman Casuga.
The four-star 2025 signee out of Utah has been turning heads, and not just in practice. During the Polynesian Bowl, Casuga delivered one of the weekend’s most impressive throws - a perfectly placed strike to a 2027 five-star Ohio State commit - that showcased the kind of touch and accuracy that’s tough to teach.
He’s a fluid, natural athlete who brings a different dynamic to the quarterback room. While Hart leans more traditional, Casuga fits the modern mold: mobile, instinctive, and capable of making plays off-script.
That’s exactly the type of quarterback Elko and new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins seem to be targeting. Casuga’s ability to extend plays and throw on the move gives the Aggies a different dimension, especially if they want to open up the playbook with more RPOs and designed rollouts.
The biggest hurdle for Casuga? Experience.
As talented as he is, stepping into a college offense as a true freshman is no small task. But with his high school résumé - 11,516 passing yards, 113 touchdowns, 32 interceptions, plus 1,083 rushing yards and 18 scores on the ground - it’s clear the tools are there.
For now, Reed is the unquestioned starter. Hart looks like the next man up.
But don’t be surprised if Casuga pushes his way into the conversation sooner than expected. The quarterback room may be young, but it’s loaded with potential - and Texas A&M might just be one breakout away from finding its next star under center.