Well, Texas A&M’s offseason looks like a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and Mike Elko refuses to be the one standing without a seat. After an impressive 7-1 start, followed by a gut-punch 8-5 finish, the Aggies are reloading through the transfer portal to bolster their arsenal. And most importantly, to give Marcel Reed a strong team to thrive. But let’s be real: Reed’s success is not just about his performance. As without a cohesive offense supporting him, he’s just a quarterback with a front-row ticket to frustration.

Look, with Conner Weigman no longer in College Station, as he left for Houston, this is logically and officially Marcel Reed’s turn to take the chair. But that’s only possible if Mike Elko utilizes every player’s potential properly around him. Pointing out the uncertainties of the offensive line that made last season tough for the Aggies, AtlonSports Steven Lassan says on the SEC Football Podcast,

“The biggest storyline this offseason for Texas A&M revolves around the growth of the passing game under Marcel Reed. The Aggies have invested in him, adding key receivers like Kevin Concepcion, who brings versatility, and Mario Craver, a deep-threat option. With a strong running game and offensive line, Reed’s development could push A&M into top-15 or top-20 contention, potentially even the expanded playoff picture.” The Aggies haven’t won a title since 1939, but a better offense could change things for Mike Elko and his team this season.

Texas A&M’s chance at the championship slipped away against Texas due to their struggling run game. The Aggies only managed to gain 102 yards on 34 carries, leaving their defense exposed. Apart from Marcel Reed, the rest of the team’s skill players combined for a mere 42 yards on 20 attempts. Daniels struggled to make an impact with only 21 yards on 13 carries, missing out on two crucial fourth-down opportunities. With the run game faltering, Reed found it challenging to make plays.

Despite completing 16 of 23 passes for 146 yards, the defense intercepted Reed’s only deep throw. The team failed to make significant gains through the air, with just one completion exceeding 16 yards, resulting in a stagnant offense. This lack of offensive firepower is why Steven Lassan is advising Mike Elko to address their inconsistent offensive performance going forward.

Let’s face it—Texas A&M did not lack offensive depth. The issue? They have a history of underutilizing talent. However, Mike Elko is determined to change that narrative, and we have already witnessed glimpses of the team’s potential. The offensive line displayed promising performance, with Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels standing out and Ashton Funk proving to be a surprising standout.

But even the less-heralded recruits like Taurean York, BJ Mayes, and Will Lee stepped up and secured crucial roles. Now, with Elko focused on turning around A&M’s fortunes, all eyes are on Marcel Reed. If he can elevate his game, the Aggies won’t just stage a comeback—they will become lethal.

Mike Elko’s faith in Marcel Reed’s gameplay

Mike Elko wasted no time in revamping Texas A&M’s roster by bringing in 14 players from the transfer portal. He also managed to retain the 2025 signing class and key returners. Despite making headlines with his roster changes, Aggie fans remain skeptical due to last year’s collapse. Elko’s task now is not just recruiting but also convincing the fanbase that the team is solid.

A key player in this puzzle is Marcel Reed, who took over as the starting quarterback late last season. He needed to enhance his skills beyond running and focus on improving his pocket presence and accuracy. Elko states that Reed is making progress in these areas. “Marcel is progressing the way you would have wanted him to,” Elko said, emphasizing how Reed had to juggle with a new scheme after Conner Weigman’s exit.

Even more impressively, Reed is not just going through the motions; he is leading the team. Elko pointed out how Reed has assumed control during practices, motivating the wide receivers and dedicating extra time in the film room to fully grasp OC Collin Klein’s offensive strategies. If Reed’s passing game continues to improve, the Aggies will not solely rely on a strong running game and experienced offensive line; they will finally achieve the balance needed to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

After a season where he threw for 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 547 yards and seven scores, Reed now stands on the brink of elevating A&M from a team with potential to a team with a formidable presence.