Head Coach Mike Elko Is 'Really Excited About We’re Where Going' With His Texas A&M Aggies

"I'm really excited about where we're going," Elko said. "And I think this year, we have a chance to really take this thing forward . . . from start to finish."

Texas A&M football is bringing back 16 returning starters and have 23 players entering their final year of eligibility, which is becoming less and less common with the NFL draft and age of NIL.

Of these starters, the offensive line is coming in hot.

"The roster starts with the offensive line . . . we're able to bring back our top seven players," Elko said. ". . . getting Trey Zuhn [III] before the NFL draft, getting Ar'maj Reed-Adams before going into the NFL draft, bringing back both of [those] captains . . . those were huge 'gets' for us."

This stacked line also includes Chase Bisontis and Dametreous Crownover, both whom have potential to enter the NFL draft after the season as well. Crownover's 76.0 run blocking grade and Zuhn's 80.5 pass protection grade earned them earned them the third and fourth spots, respectively, on PFF's highest-rated returning tackles in the SEC.

When the Aggies start with their offensive line, everything else can fall into place.

Marcel Reed has something to prove this season, and the improvements in the wide receiver and tight end positions will assist in that. 

Aside from those added from the transfer portal, Theo Melin Ohrstrom had huge growth in the offseason, according to Elko. In the 2024 season, Ohrstrom had 10 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

The backfield, though, didn't need the portal to amplify it, it only needed time and recovery.

With Rueben Owens and Le'Veon Moss back from injury, Elko expressed his excitement for the two to hit the ground running in the fall.

"[Moss] looks awesome . . . I'll clap for that one," Elko said.

A player that went under the radar in terms of injury and recovery last season was EJ Smith. Elko expects Smith to stand out in the 2025-26 season, something that may be surprising for those that weren't aware of the injuries he had coming into the season.

"When you can bring back four experienced ball carriers, three of whom are going into the last year of college football, they believe in A&M."

After a 8-5 overall and 5-3 SEC record in 2024, the Aggies their sights set on advancing further both in the upcoming season and as a program overall. Elko and his team know that they have all the tools on the field and in the locker room to accomplish just that.