Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mike Elko has bold goal for Texas A&M, but he has to work to do

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 8:22 PM ET

Mike Elko had a solid first season at Texas A&M. At one point, the Aggies were ranked as high as No. 10 in the country, and they finished with an 8-5 record.

That record included a 5-3 record against SEC opponents, with notable wins over No. 9 Missouri and No. 8 LSU.

Solid is the word to use. Nobody is going to write home over an 8-5 record, but it was Elko's first season in College Station, and being a new coach in the SEC is no joke.

Elko wants more than solid, though. Especially as it relates to the SEC, Elko wants to build the type of program that can rise above the level of competition.

"Our goal is to build the best program we are capable of being," he said at a recent event. "When we do that, it won't matter who we play or who is in the SEC. No one will be able to stop us."

Mike Elko at Houston Coach's Night: "I think this is really important. Our goal is to build the best program we are capable of being... When we do that, it won't matter who we play or who is in the SEC. No one will be able to stop us."
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) June 5, 2025

Elko's vision for Texas A&M sounds a lot like what Nick Saban built at Alabama, and it's worth noting that Saban built his dynasties on the recruiting trail.

To that point, Elko is performing well but not exceptionally so far for Texas A&M. His 2024 class was ranked No. 19 in the country, and his 2025 class is ranked No. 9.

In order to be a true force in the SEC, Elko is going to have to leverage NIL and the transfer portal to bring more talent to A&M. From there, it comes down to winning more big games so that big wins again become commonplace for the Aggies.

They'll get a chance early on this season to prove themselves in a Sept. 13 clash at Notre Dame. From there is the SEC gauntlet that features games at LSU, Missouri and Texas, so Elko and his Aggies will get a chance to not just talk the talk in 2025, but they'll prove whether or not they can walk it as well.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: