The Texas A&M Aggies have stormed out of the gate with a perfect 3-0 record, including an eye-popping upset over No. 8 Notre Dame. With dominant wins against UTSA (42-24) and Utah State (44-22) complementing their thrilling 41-40 victory against the Fighting Irish, the Aggies are averaging an impressive 42.3 points per game while allowing 28.6 points. The offense is firing on all cylinders, the defense making key plays, and the fanbase is buzzing. But as the season intensifies, the burning question remains: Are Texas A&M true contenders, or is this just an early-season illusion?
Upcoming Tests Will Define the Aggies
Texas A&M’s next five games will provide a litmus test for their playoff hopes and legitimacy as SEC contenders. The schedule includes tough matchups against Auburn (3-0), Mississippi State (3-0), Florida (1-2), Arkansas (2-1), and LSU (3-0). Notably, Auburn and LSU are all ranked and battle-tested teams in one of college football’s most grueling conferences. These games will challenge Texas A&M’s resilience and consistency, particularly on defense. One win here at least could cement their status as legitimate contenders; slip-ups might suggest they’re still finding their footing.
Quarterback Marcel Reed has been the catalyst for the Aggies’ offensive surge, throwing for 869 yards and showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. Running back Le'Veon Moss provides a steady ground game with 168 rushing yards, while wide receiver Mario Craver has emerged as Reed’s favorite target, amassing 443 receiving yards so far. On defense, linebacker Taurean York leads the team with 17 tackles, and Scooby Williams has been a ballhawk with an interception. These individual performances indicate a balanced team capable of both explosive scoring and crucial stops—but can they sustain it against top-tier SEC foes?
Is Texas A&M the team to beat in the Lone Star State?
There’s no doubt at this point the Aggies like a threat. With the Texas Longhorns still trying to figure out things on both sides of the ball, it’s hard to even put them in a contender category. Arch Manning has struggled. Whether that’s due to injury or not, he’s not putting up numbers to carry a team over the hump. The loss to Ohio State in the opener exposed a few flaws in his game. Hopefully, he can overcome them in the upcoming weeks. Texas A&M runs the table in the state with the Longhorns up in the air.
Breaking the ranked road jinx
Texas A&M’s victory over Notre Dame in South Bend marked a watershed moment for the program. The win snapped a 13-game losing streak against ranked opponents on the road—a drought stretching back over a decade. Head coach Mike Elko, a former Notre Dame assistant, praised his team’s grit: “We just kept fighting, kept battling, kept scrapping. Ultimately, we made one more play than they did.”
The victory wasn’t pretty. After a 99-yard kickoff return was wiped out by a penalty, the Aggies started their final drive deep in their own territory. Reed’s poise shone through as he quickly moved the team downfield, connecting on a crucial 34-yard pass to Mario Craver, who finished with 207 yards receiving, including a breathtaking 86-yard touchdown bomb early in the game. With just 13 seconds left, Reed escaped pressure to find tight end Nate Boerkircher for the go-ahead 11-yard touchdown. Kicker Randy Bond’s calm extra point sealed the improbable win.
Reed reflected on Boerkircher’s clutch catch: “I don’t think Nate had a target all game, but when his name was called, he was ready.”
Energy to fuel the fight
The game was marked by heightened emotions, with tension boiling over even before kickoff. Players from both teams had to be separated after pregame jawing, and Coach Elko’s sideline frustration was visible—he even threw a folding chair during a defensive lapse. But that fiery energy translated to a relentless fight on the field. The Aggies never backed down, even when trailing late in the fourth quarter, demonstrating the mental toughness necessary for a championship-caliber team.
Texas A&M showed they can win ugly, win late, and win on the road against elite competition. Their revitalized passing attack starkly contrasts last season’s struggles, while the defense, though opportunistic, still faces questions about consistency. The Aggies have proven they belong in the conversation—but the grueling SEC gauntlet awaits.
If they can maintain this level of intensity and polish, especially through their next slate of ranked opponents, Texas A&M could shed the “pretender” label once and for all. On the other hand, if cracks appear on defense or if emotional volatility leads to costly mistakes, doubts about their long-term viability will grow.
What to watch next
Two weeks from now brings another major test by hosting Auburn. The Tigers are undefeated and battle-tested, promising a physical, high-stakes clash. For Texas A&M, this game isn’t just about keeping their perfect record—it’s about proving they’re built for the SEC’s relentless grind.
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Only time will tell if the Aggies are legitimate contenders or just a flash in the pan. But one thing is clear, the next few weeks will define their season and possibly the trajectory of the program.