Post-Spring Hype Builds for Texas A&M as Joel Klatt Eyes Breakthrough Season

“Mike Elko is getting this program back on track. I really like Mike Elko a lot,” Klatt said in the latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.” “I think that he fits [at Texas A&M], which is important because that’s a unique culture.”

In Elko’s second season, Reed will enter as the undisputed starter after he spent much of 2024 splitting time with Connor Weigman, who transferred to Houston this offseason. Reed showed flashes of brilliance near the end of the season, including a breakout performance against LSU.

Klatt believes Reed can take a jump in 2025 thanks to his dual-threat ability. “I think he showed that he can be a dynamic player for them, in particular athletically,” Klatt said. The Aggies also return their entire offensive line and running back Le’Veon Moss.

While the offense is full of returners, Texas A&M lost much of its defensive production, with three defensive linemen going in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Elko’s defensive prowess should help the Aggies overcome any lack of experience on that side of the ball.

Despite Klatt's confidence in Elko and Reed, he does have concerns about the schedule. Last year, a brutal closing schedule caused the Aggies to go 1-4 to end the season, and a similar schedule awaits in 2025.

Texas A&M’s final five games this year are against LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, Samford and Texas, so the Aggies will surely be tested down the stretch. The Aggies also play at Notre Dame in September.

“The schedule is an SEC schedule, so the schedule’s going to be tough,” Klatt said. “They’ve got three tough road games against what I would consider to be top competition. [At] Notre Dame, at LSU and at Texas.”

While the schedule is difficult, the Aggies have the talent to compete against the SEC’s top teams. To vie for an SEC title, Texas A&M will need to show they can win high-level games, and Klatt believes they can.