Texas A&M Has Playoff Potential, But Two Concerns Could Get in the Way

The Texas A&M Aggies find themselves in unfamiliar territory entering the 2026 season. Or at least compared to the recent past.

In his recent SEC preview, ESPN’s Bill Connelly named the Aggies as “conference (and therefore) CFP contenders.” A category that puts them in the same breath as Georgia, Texas, LSU, and Alabama.

And for the first time in what feels like decades, the hype surrounding Texas A&M isn’t purely just projection. There is actual veracity to it as head coach Mike Elko delivered the all-valuable proof of concept with the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance last season.

Yet, for all the hype and potential in College Station this go-around, there are two grave concerns that could make-or-break the season.

Concern No. 1 - Marcel Reed

While Reed did throw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, while showing a knack for creating explosive plays. His efficiency leaves a lot to be desired.

Reed finished seventh in total QBR among SEC quarterbacks, which is middling for a quarterback who some expect to be in the Heisman Trophy race this season. His 12 interceptions gave him a 3.2 interception percentage, the fifth-highest in the conference among starting quarterbacks.

Only DJ Lagway, Cutter Boley, Taylen Green, and Beau Pribula finished with a worse interception percentage. It’s no coincidence that, aside from Green, who went to the NFL, they aren’t back in the SEC this season.

There is no doubting Reed’s abilities. He flashed them several times last season, yet the issue is his consistency. Not throwing a single touchdown in his final two games last season won’t cut it if the Aggies hope to make it back to the playoffs.

Nor will his turnover issues, which saw him toss interceptions in eight of the 13 games played last season.

Texas A&M needs to find a balance between remaining explosive and limiting turnovers with Reed. That is especially the case if offensive coordinator Holoman Wiggins’ plans truly include using more spread-out, four-wide-receiver looks.

Concern No. 2 - The Offensive Line

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Justin Scott (5) rushes the line past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr. (54) and offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But it doesn’t stop with Reed; it also includes potentially the most talked-about position group of the offseason in College Station: the offensive line.

After losing all but one starter from last year’s unit, Texas A&M went to the transfer portal for an infusion of talent and experience. But Texas A&M isn’t only looking to replace four starters from a season ago; they are also looking to replace the continuity that unit offered.

The nature of the offensive line is that the five players essentially have to work in unison, as one makes it more problematic.

For all the talent the Aggies brought in via the portal with Wilkin Formby, Coen Echols, Tyree Adams, and Trevon Baugh, it won’t matter if the group doesn’t gel.

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