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Greg McElroy Points Out Why One Sleeper in the SEC Might Fall Short

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 25, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The college football season is just a few months away, and teams are preparing for summer workouts. During the offseason, national college football analysts evaluate teams that could make a significant impact but may not be receiving enough attention.

One of these analysts is Greg McElroy from ESPN. In an episode of "Always College Football," McElroy focused on coaches entering their second seasons with their respective schools.

Among these teams are the Texas A&M Aggies, who are starting Year 2 under Mike Elko after finishing Year 1 with an 8-5 record.

McElroy expressed optimism for the Aggies in the upcoming season, but he noted that one factor could prevent them from reaching their goals.

"A&M should be sitting pretty this year," McElroy said.

"If they continue to be as good on defense as I anticipate them being and make some progress offensively, while staying healthy, I think A&M is one of those teams that not enough people are talking about going into this upcoming season. I think the A&M Aggies have a chance to really threaten, I really believe this, really threaten in the SEC this year if they can stay healthy across the board."

There is a lot of reason for optimism in College Station. The Aggies return 71% of their production from last season, which ranks No. 6 in the country. This returning production is well-balanced, with 70% of it on offense and 73% on defense.

Key players returning include defensive back Marcus Ratcliffe, wide receiver Terry Bussey, linebacker Taurean York, running back Le'Veon Moss and quarterback Marcel Reed.

Moss suffered an injury during Texas A&M's game against the South Carolina Gamecocks last season, and the Aggies went 1-3 to finish the season without him.

The Aggies will open the season against UTSA on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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