After a disappointing NFL Scouting Combine where only three Texas A&M Aggies received invites to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts, head coach Mike Elko faces the harsh reality that his program has a significant gap to close in order to compete at the highest level. Elko, known for his no-nonsense approach and sharp football mind, wasted no time in addressing the glaring issue during his post-Combine reflections. For a program once considered a powerhouse in the SEC and the crown jewel of Texas college football, the lack of recognition at the Combine signals a deeper, systemic problem—one that can no longer be ignored.
Texas A&M’s struggles at the NFL Scouting Combine, where other schools routinely dominate the spotlight, are a microcosm of the larger issues plaguing the Aggies. While teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State routinely send dozens of players to the Combine, Texas A&M’s three invites (a far cry from previous years’ expectations) serve as an unmistakable wake-up call. Elko, who inherited a program in the midst of a turbulent transition after the Jimbo Fisher era, understands that talent development isn’t the only problem. The “biggest jump” the Aggies need to make, according to Elko, is not just in recruiting or player development—it’s in the culture that surrounds the program.
The reality is that the Aggies’ struggles to send more players to the Combine stem from a broader, more controversial issue: a lack of discipline, mental toughness, and sustained excellence. Elko’s message is clear: Texas A&M must shift from being a program that occasionally competes for SEC supremacy to one that expects to compete year in and year out. This requires a mentality change, an overhaul in how players are developed both physically and mentally.
One of the most contentious issues within the program is the approach to recruitment. While Texas A&M has recruited at a high level, consistently pulling in top-tier talent, they’ve failed to develop these players into NFL-caliber athletes at the same rate as their SEC rivals. For instance, over the last several seasons, the Aggies have landed several five-star recruits—yet, few have turned into first-round draft picks. This gap between hype and results has been widely discussed within the coaching community, with some speculating that Texas A&M’s reliance on recruiting rankings rather than a clear player development strategy has ultimately led to the program’s stagnation.
Elko is now challenging this mindset, stressing the need for his players to put in the work not just in the weight room, but in film study, in mental preparation, and on the field in a way that translates to success at the next level. His frustration is palpable. “We can’t afford to just show up with talent anymore,” Elko said, his voice firm. “We have to create players who are ready for the next step. If we’re going to compete in the SEC and send guys to the NFL, it’s not enough to be good. We have to be great.”
Moreover, the lack of representation at the Combine brings to the forefront a more uncomfortable reality: Texas A&M has yet to break through as an elite program, despite the resources at their disposal. The school’s rich football history, enormous fan base, and significant financial backing should be enough to make them a perennial contender for top draft picks. But the Aggies have failed to convert these advantages into sustained success. The question on many minds is whether Elko can be the one to change this.
The controversy surrounding this issue isn’t just about football—it’s about the broader expectations surrounding Texas A&M. As Elko takes the reins, he must deal with a program that has been criticized for underperforming despite the immense hype. The challenge of turning this ship around will be no easy feat, but Elko seems ready to face the fire head-on. If the Aggies are to make the “biggest jump” they need to be able to change their mindset, develop their players, and ultimately send a message to the SEC and the NFL: Texas A&M is no longer a team of potential—they are a team of results.
