With spring football wrapped up and the 2025 season on the horizon, analysts across the country are releasing their updated Top 25 rankings. One of the more intriguing talking points? The placement of the Texas A&M Aggies.
In On3’s latest post-spring Top 25, the Aggies are slotted at No. 25—a ranking that has sparked debate within the college football community. Many view this as a conservative placement for a team that’s quietly been making significant progress under second-year head coach Mike Elko.
At the core of the Aggies’ optimism is quarterback Marcel Reed. Entering his second year in the program, Reed showed signs of growth this spring, with improved decision-making and command of the offense. He’ll be backed by one of the SEC’s most formidable backfields in Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens, both of whom are expected to carry a heavy workload in Elko’s balanced offensive scheme.
To boost the passing game, A&M added former NC State standout KC Concepcion through the transfer portal. Known for his speed and versatility, Concepcion provides Reed with a much-needed vertical threat. The Aggies also added receivers Mario Craver from Mississippi State and Jonah Wilson from Houston, deepening a unit that underperformed in 2024.
Despite these additions and a solid offensive core, the low Top 25 ranking stems largely from concerns on the defensive side of the ball. Texas A&M lost major playmakers on the defensive front, including Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton—three linemen who were key to the team’s pressure schemes. Though the staff has addressed these gaps with experienced transfers and a strong recruiting class, the uncertainty around how quickly the new faces will gel has tempered national expectations.
Still, some experts see things differently. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt ranked Texas A&M No. 19 in his own post-spring Top 25, noting that the team has all the ingredients to rise quickly if the pieces come together. He cited coaching continuity, an improving quarterback, and one of the more talented rosters in the conference as reasons why A&M may be flying under the radar.
The question isn’t whether Texas A&M deserves a Top 25 spot—they clearly do—but whether placing them at the bottom of the rankings does justice to their potential. Given their offseason improvements, strong returning core, and the leadership of Elko, it’s not far-fetched to say the Aggies may be one of the most underrated teams heading into the 2025 campaign.
If the offense clicks and the defensive newcomers settle in quickly, Texas A&M could very well exceed its current ranking—and surprise those who underestimated them. For now, the Aggies are content to stay low on the national radar. But come fall, don’t be surprised if they force their way into the Top 15 conversation.
