As the sun starts to rise on summer, the buzz around College Station is heating up — not just from the Texas heat, but from anticipation for the 2025 Texas A&M football season. After an up-and-down 2024 campaign that ended with an 8-5 record, Aggies fans are eager to see how Year 2 under head coach Mike Elko shapes up. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Texas A&M take the next step and become a serious College Football Playoff contender?
Much of that answer hinges on the man under center — Marcel Reed, the talented quarterback stepping into the starting role this season.
A New Era Behind Center
Gone are the quarterbacks of last season, and stepping into the spotlight is sophomore Marcel Reed. Reed, who transferred from Ole Miss prior to the 2024 season, saw action in key moments last year and now has the keys to the Aggie offense. Known for his dual-threat ability, Reed brings a level of dynamism that Aggie fans hope will ignite the offense and bring consistency where it was previously lacking.
Reed showcased flashes of brilliance during the 2024 campaign, particularly in the early stretch of the season when Texas A&M jumped out to a promising 7-1 start. His mobility and confidence in the pocket impressed both coaches and fans alike. But as the season wore on and the Aggies stumbled down the stretch — finishing 1-4 in their last five games — it became clear that stability at quarterback would be critical going forward.
Now, with a full offseason to work as the undisputed QB1, expectations are sky-high for Reed.
Building Around Reed
Head coach Mike Elko and his staff have clearly prioritized building around their young quarterback. The 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 9 nationally by 247Sports, brings in top talent across the board, and the Aggies were active in the transfer portal as well — a sign of their urgency to contend immediately.
The offensive line returns multiple starters, providing a solid foundation for Reed to operate behind. Meanwhile, the skill position group is loaded with speed and depth. Returning playmakers and some exciting newcomers give Reed a full arsenal of weapons — from deep threats to reliable targets in the short game.
If Reed can elevate his game and avoid the growing pains that sometimes plague first-time starters, the Aggies’ offense could become one of the more potent units in the SEC.
What Lies Ahead
The SEC will once again be a gauntlet, and Texas A&M’s path to the top won’t be easy. But optimism is quietly building in College Station. Elko’s first season brought a culture shift, even if the results were uneven. Now with his system more firmly in place and a quarterback he trusts, the pieces are beginning to align.
The Aggies are far from perfect — there are questions still to be answered across the roster, particularly on defense and in the trenches — but the potential is undeniable.
Marcel Reed’s rise to starting quarterback marks a new chapter in Texas A&M football. If he can rise to the occasion and lead with poise and playmaking, the Aggies may very well find themselves in the College Football Playoff conversation come December.
Stay tuned each week this summer as we break down Texas A&M’s roster position by position, starting with the most important one of all — the quarterback.