Texas A&M’s 2024 season may have ended on a sour note with a 10-3 loss to Miami, but let’s not let one game cloud the bigger picture. The Aggies outperformed expectations this year, and there’s plenty to be encouraged about-especially when you look at how some of the new faces contributed under first-year head coach Mike Elko.
Now, it’s worth noting that Elko didn’t have a full recruiting cycle to build his first class. He was hired in late November, just weeks before the Early Signing Period.
So what we saw this season was more of a quick-turnaround effort than a fully sculpted Elko recruiting vision. But even with that narrow window, the early returns from his 2024 class-both signees and transfer portal pickups-offered a glimpse of what could be coming down the road in College Station.
Let’s dig into how those additions fared.
Freshmen Making Noise Early
Several high school signees from the 2024 class didn’t just crack the depth chart-they made an impact. Whether it was on special teams, in rotational roles, or even starting spots, these young players showed they’re ready to contribute now, not just down the line.
That’s a huge win for a program that’s been trying to re-establish a consistent identity. Getting that kind of production from true freshmen speaks not only to their talent level but also to the coaching staff’s ability to develop and trust young players quickly.
Transfer Portal Hits the Mark
In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal is just as crucial as high school recruiting, and A&M made the most of it. The Aggies brought in several transfers who stepped into key roles and stabilized positions that needed immediate help.
Whether it was filling gaps due to injuries, depth concerns, or simply upgrading talent, the portal additions played a big part in A&M’s success through the bulk of the season. That kind of roster management is essential in the modern game, and Elko’s staff showed they’re up to the task.
Building a Foundation
While this wasn’t Elko’s first full recruiting class, it was his first real chance to start shaping the roster in his image. And based on what we saw from the 2024 signees and transfers, the early foundation is solid.
The Aggies showed flashes of the kind of team they could become-tough, disciplined, and opportunistic. That identity was visible in the performances of the new additions, who brought energy and production to a team that, at times, looked rejuvenated compared to previous seasons.
Looking Ahead
The loss to Miami stings, no doubt. But it shouldn’t overshadow the progress made in Year 1 of the Elko era. With a full recruiting cycle ahead and more time to implement his system, the future looks promising.
If the 2024 class is any indication, Texas A&M fans have reason to be optimistic. The building blocks are in place, and the Aggies just might be laying the groundwork for something special in the seasons to come.