Texas A&M Aggies Eye Redemption in Upcoming Football Season

Texas A&M fans cheering during a football game

News Summary

The Texas A&M Aggies are looking to improve on their 8-5 record from last season as they face challenges on both offense and defense. Coach Mike Elko has acknowledged the need for significant improvements, especially in the pass defense and rushing offense. With potential injuries and a key contract situation looming over former first-round pick Shemar Stewart, fans are eager to see if the team can bounce back and compete effectively in the upcoming season.

College Station, Texas – The Texas A&M Aggies are entering the 2024 football season with mixed fortunes after a rollercoaster performance last year, finishing with an overall record of 8-5. The previous season started strong, as the Aggies posted a commendable 7-1 record, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Notre Dame. However, the momentum faltered during the final stretch of the season, leading to a disappointing finish of 1-4 in their last five games, leaving fans eager for redemption.

The Aggies’ final record is the best they have seen since 2021, yet the enthusiasm is dampened by the performance issues that plagued the team throughout the season. Critiques have primarily focused on shortcomings in the pass defense and rushing offense, which Coach Mike Elko recognized as areas that require significant improvement. Key injuries, notably to linebacker Le’Veon Moss, further hampered the team’s competitiveness. Elko acknowledged that various coaching challenges impacted the team’s defensive backfield and has taken decisive action by assuming control of the defense himself while bringing in Lyle Hemphill as a defensive assistant for the upcoming season.

Despite the setbacks, there is a burgeoning optimism regarding the Aggies’ defensive performance for 2025. Historically, under Elko’s guidance, defenses have shown marked improvement from one year to the next. That hopeful outlook stands in contrast to lingering concerns about the offense, although there are reasons for optimism given that Pro Football Focus has ranked the Aggies among the Top 10 offenses in college football. The offensive lineup looks promising, featuring players like Moss, Owens, Concepcion, Craver, Bussey, and quarterback Marcel Reed, signaling the potential for a dynamic attack.

As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Aggies are set to face a challenging schedule, which includes four of the seven teams currently ranked ahead of them. Observers note that if the defense can tighten up and the offense maintains its high caliber, the Aggies may have a shot at competing with elite teams on a national scale.

Amid these developments, a significant issue looms regarding former first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, who is currently in limbo concerning his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Stewart has been working out at Texas A&M during the offseason but is not officially part of the team’s training regimen. His ability to play for A&M this season hinges on resolving a dispute tied to his Bengals contract, particularly new language related to voiding guarantees. The current negotiations create an atmosphere of uncertainty about Stewart’s readiness for the 2025 NFL season.

If Stewart secures a waiver to play with A&M this year, the Bengals would retain his draft rights. Conversely, should he choose to sit out, he could opt to re-enter the draft in the following year, further complicating his situation. Reports indicate there have been no recent updates from Stewart’s representatives or the Bengals regarding the ongoing contract discussions.

As the Aggies gear up for the new season, they face a crucial crossroads with their roster and performance expectations—both amidst promising offensive capabilities and the looming complexities surrounding Stewart’s status. Coach Elko and the Texas A&M community remain focused on building towards a season that not only showcases their skill but also reflects the growth and resilience inherent to collegiate athletics.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Marcel Reed Named Starting Quarterback for Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel Discusses Potential Earnings Through NIL Deals
Local Entrepreneurs Compete at Shark Tank-Inspired Event
Shane Sdao Returns to Texas A&M Baseball Team
Taurean York Steps Up as Texas A&M Football Captain
College Station Council Reviews Northgate District Plan
Texas A&M Running Back Le’Veon Moss Arrested for Disorderly Conduct
Texas A&M’s Le’Veon Moss Arrested for Disorderly Conduct
Texas A&M Baseball Secures Two Key Commitments
Texas A&M Running Back Le’Veon Moss Arrested for Disorderly Conduct

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Lucchese Flagship Store Interior

Lucchese Opens Flagship Store in El Paso

News Summary Lucchese Bootmaker is set to unveil its flagship store in El Paso, bringing over 140 years of exquisite craftsmanship and luxury cowboy boots

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!