What Texas A&M's Week 1 Opponent Naming Its Starting QB Tells Us About the Matchup

The Texas A&M Aggies know who the opposing quarterback will be in week one, but how does it change the preview of the game?

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Texas A&M Aggies are working through fall camp, with a few weeks left ahead of a critical 2026 season where the program will look to pick up from the success found last season, which featured an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

For head coach Mike Elko, he and his staff are still finalizing the depth chart ahead of the season, ensuring the roster is reloaded with talent after losing many key contributors from 2025, but there is no doubt the staff is already prepping for the week one matchup against Missouri State.

Now that job has become easier after the Bears announced that Skyler Locklear will be the starting quarterback, but how does that change the matchup for the Aggies?

Who is Locklear?

UTEP quarterback Skyler Locklear (9) looks for an open receiver during the Delaware vs. UTEP Conference USA football season finale at Delaware Stadium in Newark on Nov. 29, 2025. Delaware won 61-31. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Locklear is an interesting quarterback for the Bears, and while many believe he is capable of being a great quarterback, he is set to have a true breakout season. A transfer from UTEP, this will be his first time in the program, and he did enough during fall camp to win the job for first-year head coach Casey Woods.

Over the past two seasons with UTEP, his best season came in 2024, when he threw for 1,583 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He followed that up with 1,418 yards, with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during the 2025 season.

Locklear is also capable of using his legs effectively, running for 237 rushing yards with two scores in 2024, before ramping up his production on the ground and setting a program record with 10 rushing touchdowns, while also gaining 633 total rushing yards.

Working the Defense

Texas A&M Aggies cornerback Will Lee III (4) and cornerback Dezz Ricks (2) react after the game against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For the Aggies, there is a pure talent disparity in the matchup, but with it being a week one meeting, with multiple new faces all over the defensive side of the ball, playing disciplined football will need to remain a priority.

Over the past two seasons, Locklear has thrown 17 interceptions to only 23 touchdowns, showing he is capable of turning the ball over when throwing into traffic, and for the Aggies secondary, which was one of the worst interception defenses in the country last season, it could be a good way to start the season.

Limiting his ability to run the ball and scramble to extend players will fall on the new-look defensive front to get home early and contain him. If the Aggies can do that, forcing turnovers should come easier as well.

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