Texas A&M will close its 2025 regular-season home schedule with a familiar late-season FCS tune-up. But this year’s opponent comes at a bargain price. Samford make the trip from Birmingham to Kyle Field and will receive just $550,000 for the matchup — the smallest payout among the Aggies’ nonconference opponents, according to contract figures obtained by the Austin-American Statesman.
The payment is part of nearly $4 million in guarantees A&M will spend on non-conference games next season. UTSA collected $1.5 million for the season opener, while Utah State tops the list at $1.65 million for its Week 2 loss. Samford’s smaller payout comes with one notable condition. The full amount is due within 30 days of the contest.
The Bulldogs face long odds. Samford has allowed an FCS-high 51 sacks and enters with one of the nation’s least productive rushing attacks. That’s a daunting formula against an A&M defense that leads the FBS in sacks per game. Quarterback Quincy Crittendon could see multiple backups rotate in behind an undersized offensive line expected to rely heavily on tight ends for pass protection.
Offensively, the Bulldogs lean on a quick-passing, up-tempo scheme, but their “dink-and-dunk” approach has produced yards without points. A&M’s defensive backs are favored to handle Samford’s receivers in man coverage, allowing the Aggies to blitz frequently and test Samford’s reaction time.
For A&M, the game provides an opportunity to fine-tune the offense and build depth. Quarterback Marcel Reed could push the ball downfield against one of the worst pass defenses in the FCS, while running backs Rueben Owens and EJ Smith may see early work before reserves rotate in.
With revenue-sharing changes on the horizon, these multi-million dollar buy games could become tougher to schedule. But for now, A&M’s focus is simple. Avoid another Appalachian State-style misstep and take care of business late.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M