Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko looks on prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas A&M Seeking Its Best Start of the Decade Against Florida

Originally posted on Texas A&M Aggies on SI
By Noah Ruiz | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 8:39 AM ET

Texas A&M football has enjoyed rousing success in Year Two of the head coach Mike Elko era, getting off to a commanding 5-0 start to the 2025 season. Between last-second heroics to punishing defensive efforts, the Aggies have done all it takes to earn themselves the spotlight in the College Football Playoff race.

The last Aggie team to get off to such a strong start was in the 2016 season, where former A&M coach Kevin Sumlin lead the Maroon and White to a 6-0 record, before the year ultimately spiraled out of control as they finished 8-5.

Elko, however, has other plans in mind, but first must match the same start by taking down Florida. The showdown with the Gators will be the last game at Kyle Field until late November, so it will be essential the Aggies defend their home turf.

New Season, Same Goal

Though the season has changed, the goal in mind for the Aggies remains simple and clear: compete for championships. Quarterback Marcel Reed has done wonders with his pass-catching duo in wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, reshaping the A&M offense into a dual-threat monster that has gone toe-to-toe with an admirable schedule so far.

However, the Florida Gators are hungry to overthrow another top-ranked Lone Star State opponent after toppling the Texas Longhorns in the Swamp a week ago. The Gators' offense showed signs of being what they were promised to be at the beginning of the season and are ready to test the Aggies' defense.

Despite this fact, the Maroon and White have found a variety of ways to win games and Elko has been all over the place addressing any shortcomings that have threatened to be the Aggies' undoing. The road to glory is rarely paved through smooth ground, requiring A&M to master shootouts and rock fights to get the best of each of their past five opponents.

The 2016 season of Aggie football got off to a similar start, though a loss to Alabama threw a wrench in the trajectory of what appeared to be a promising campaign. But under a new regime, Elko aims to erase the narratives of the past and usher in a whole new chapter of Aggie football.

Now in 2025, the seeds of success have been planted in a fertile ground, though it is up to the playmakers and coaching staff to help spring forth the trees of victory.

This article first appeared on Texas A&M Aggies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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