Texas A&M Is Back in the National Spotlight - And This Time, They're Built to Stay
It’s been over a decade since Texas A&M made the bold leap from the Big 12 to the SEC, joining forces with Missouri and stepping into college football’s most unforgiving arena. Since then, the Aggies have weathered the highs and lows that come with playing in the sport’s toughest conference - flashes of brilliance, Heisman hardware, and plenty of 8-4 seasons that left fans wondering when the breakthrough would finally arrive.
Now, with Mike Elko at the helm, it feels like that moment might be here.
This isn’t just another promising Aggies squad. This is a team that’s earned its way into the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history - and done so with a résumé that demands respect.
Eleven wins. Statement victories over Notre Dame, LSU, and Missouri.
A defense that’s grown more disciplined, an offense that’s finding its rhythm, and a coaching staff that’s getting the most out of its roster.
But let’s not sugarcoat it - the road hasn’t been perfect. That late-season loss to Texas still stings.
Not just because it was a rivalry game, but because it cost A&M a shot at the SEC Championship Game. That stumble could’ve derailed the season.
Instead, it’s become fuel.
For Texas Tech fans tuning in, there’s plenty of history here. The Aggies may have left the Big 12, but the echoes of those old Southwest Conference and Big 12 battles still linger.
And while the Red Raiders and Aggies are on opposite sides of the playoff bracket, the idea of a national title showdown between the two? It’s not impossible.
It would take a run from both, but stranger things have happened in this sport.
As for the Aggies, they’re not just happy to be here. This is a program with national championship aspirations - and the pieces to make it happen.
Elko’s impact has been immediate. He’s brought structure, energy, and a clear identity to a team that’s long had talent but lacked consistency.
The result? A team that’s peaking at the right time.
Still, not every win has aged like fine wine. That comeback against South Carolina looked gritty in the moment, but the shine has dulled a bit.
Same with the LSU win - impressive on paper, but less so considering how the Tigers’ season ended. That’s the nature of college football.
Perception shifts week to week. What matters now is what’s ahead.
And what’s ahead is a Miami Hurricanes team standing between the Aggies and a shot at the national title. It’s a heavyweight matchup, no doubt. But if A&M plays to its potential - the way it did in those marquee wins - they’re going to be a tough out.
This is a different Texas A&M than the one that left the Big 12 all those years ago. Stronger.
Sharper. Hungrier.
And if they can keep their footing, they just might finish what they started.