Texas A&M Dominates UTSA in Football Season Opener

College Station, Texas, September 2, 2025

News Summary

Texas A&M University showcased a powerful offense in their football season opener, defeating UTSA 42-24 at Kyle Field. Quarterback Marcel Reed shined with four touchdowns and a strong performance in both passing and rushing. However, concerns linger regarding the Aggies’ run defense, allowing significant yardage to UTSA’s standout players. The team, now focused on addressing defensive issues, seeks to build on their offensive strengths for the upcoming matches.

College Station, Texas — Texas A&M University began the 2025 football season with a commanding 42-24 victory over the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) on Saturday at Kyle Field. The Aggies showcased a dynamic offense but revealed lingering concerns on the defensive side, particularly in run defense, as they prepare for the challenges ahead this season.

Quarterback Marcel Reed was a standout performer, completing 22 of 34 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, yielding a 65% completion rate and a passer rating of 174.9. Reed not only excelled in the air but also contributed with 39 rushing yards, marking a significant improvement under center as he made his first Week 1 start for the team. The Aggies’ offense amassed a total of 399 yards throughout the game.

However, Texas A&M’s defensive capabilities raised alarms, particularly in their run defense, which allowed UTSA’s Robert Henry Jr. to rack up 177 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Aggies struggled to contain the Roadrunners’ ground game, a reminder of the defensive troubles they faced the previous season. The squad’s defensive line managed only one sack, courtesy of Rylan Kennedy in the fourth quarter, indicating potential areas for improvement.

On the offensive end, Texas A&M’s run game was modest, totaling 108 yards on 23 carries and averaging just 4.7 yards per carry. Running backs contributed collectively with 71 rushing yards, as four different players shared carries. New wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion made significant contributions, combining for 11 receptions, 194 yards, and three touchdowns, in addition to Concepcion’s impressive 80-yard punt return score.

The Aggies’ tight ends also played a key role, with six receptions for 63 yards, led by Theo Ohstrom, who caught three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line demonstrated solid performance by allowing no sacks during 36 pass attempts and providing Reed with noticeable protection throughout the game.

Defensively, the Aggies recorded nine tackles for loss, highlighted by fifth-year defensive tackle Albert Regis, who notched three solo tackles. Linebacker Taurean York led the team with 10 tackles but acknowledged the defensive unit’s struggles in the run game, admitting to missed assignments on several occasions. The defensive secondary fared better, allowing 21 completions on 34 attempts, with notable performances from safety Marcus Ratcliffe and cornerback Will Lee III, both achieving strong grades according to analytic evaluations.

Penalties were notably reduced for Texas A&M, with only five called against them throughout the game, a marked improvement from their average of 7.5 penalties during the previous season. The Aggies also demonstrated efficiency on offense, successfully converting all red zone drives into touchdowns and going 1-for-1 on fourth down attempts.

Head Coach Mike Elko appeared to have effectively guided the team through offseason preparations, facilitating a smooth transition into competitive play after a long hiatus. As the Aggies reflect on their opening game performance, there are clear focal points for improvement, particularly on defense, as they aim to enhance their overall game for the rest of the season.

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Additional Resources

• Statesman
• Wikipedia: Texas A&M Aggies football
• KBTX
• Google Search: Texas Aggies football
• Sports Illustrated
• Google Scholar: Texas A&M football
• Express News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas A&M
• Houston Chronicle
• Google News: Texas Aggies football

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