Heading to a roster recouping off-season, all eyes are on the transfer portal movement, and it seems Texas A&M and Mike Elko are still not done setting up a solid offense. A&M suffered a disappointing 8-5 finish to what was a promising season that started 7-1. It’s already been a busy 2025 for the Aggies, with plenty of portal activity at positions of need as Elko looks to go all in for his year 2. One of the most pivotal questions that is swirling over the offensive potential of a promising team is Marcel Reed’s development as the starting guy. The Aggies strongly hope that Reed can hit the ground running. But one more name makes the round that can very well be a factor in Marcel Reed’s success and the Aggies’ overall 2025 fate.

Despite having a wealth of talent, Texas A&M football has a reputation for not fully utilizing its resources. Elko is preparing to gradually dispel this negative perception. We saw some huge silver linings coming out of the entire offensive line, for example, names like Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels, and perhaps a bit underrated, Ashton Funk. Many guys with lower ratings coming out of high school were able to shine for the Aggies as well this past season. Taurean York, BJ Mayes, and Will Lee excelled in their roles for the Aggies this past season. Now, it’s Funk’s turn to showcase his mojo on the bigger stage.

Insider Andrew Stefefaniak weighed in on the contending starter, Funk’s prospect: ‘‘One that gets me the most fired up is Ashton Funk, a guy with that 6 ft 7 frame of around 300 pounds. He’s got an SEC-ready college football-ready frame; he had it when he walked on the campus.” Funk has always been viewed as an eventual starter at left tackle when he finally joins the Aggies’ ranks as one of the top targets in the class. His monumental size and precise technique have been a longstanding treasure for the Aggies offense.

But he has a long way to go, as Trey Zuhn already announced his return as a senior offensive lineman for the 2025 season. Chances are high that he will again take up the starting role, backed up by his numbers in the last two seasons. ”I don’t believe that Ashton Funk is going to fight for a starting role unless he, like, goes at it with Crownover to take that spot there, but I don’t see that happening,” Stefefaniak dished a reality check. But he still has hopes that Funk will be an incredible name going forward.

”I think that Ashton Funk being able to be reliable, and there are more names like Ashton Funk, but he’s the one that kind of gets me personally the most fired up. I think that him being able to be a reliable backup offensive lineman for this team, we know how good this starting offensive line’s gonna be. The starting offensive line is gonna be dominant. I think it’s going to be incredible. I want to see him step up, want to see him play good football, and want to see him be a reliable option off the bench,” the Aggies insider cut in. Zuhn has been a safety net to freshman Marcel Reed behind Conner Weigman midway through the season.

So, can Funk be a brick wall to Marcel Reed’s new endeavor this year? Regardless, Reed is bracing up to take up the lead.

Marcel Reed looks to be a leader in Mike Elko’s crucial second year 

With Conner Weigman no longer in College Station, as he left for Houston, this is logically and officially Reed’s turn to take the chair. Before showing off his prowess in the spring games, Marcel Reed seems to be poised in his ability. “I’m ready to be a leader,” Reed said in a recent interview with the Austin American-Statesman. “I have strong guys around me that can go and help me lead this team. I have to grow vocally, but I think I’ve proven to be a leader in many places.”

Playing in just 11 games, Marcel Reed amassed 1,854 yards and 15 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He rushed for another 547 yards and seven touchdowns on 116 attempts. However, the one sour stat suggested the Aggies went on to win just one of their last five games since Reed took up the full-time starting job. But don’t just let it fool you. Despite the odds, he is actively grinding himself to overcome the issues and be the guy that the team needs. “My goals for next year are to be more accurate, on time, and consistent,” Marcel Reed said.

If quality O-line men like Funk and the other eye-popping names do their job to protect him throughout the season, it might be just a matter of time before the Aggies step back into their astray glory.