The anticipation around the 2025 SEC Media Days reached a peak when second-year Texas A\&M head coach Mike Elko took the stage, offering a candid and refreshingly sincere assessment of his program. In a sea of polished coach-speak and corporate-laced optimism, Elko’s approach stood out—equal parts charming and brutally honest. This combination not only captured the attention of media members but also reignited conversations about Texas A\&M’s identity, trajectory, and expectations in the unforgiving world of Southeastern Conference football.
Elko, now firmly entrenched in his second year at the helm of the Aggies, didn’t mince words when evaluating the state of his team. He began by expressing genuine gratitude for the opportunity to lead Texas A\&M, but quickly pivoted into a tough-love critique of where the Aggies currently stand, both mentally and physically. He wasn’t there to sugarcoat things or inflate expectations artificially. Instead, he sought to establish a new tone—one built on accountability, resilience, and the understanding that progress only comes through struggle, consistency, and brutally honest self-reflection.
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Elko acknowledged that the team underperformed in several critical moments. Despite flashes of excellence, inconsistency plagued the Aggies. Elko described the season as one of “missed details and missed opportunities,” a theme that had defined Texas A\&M football in recent years. His analysis wasn’t centered solely on schematics or talent gaps—he zeroed in on the program’s mental toughness and lack of identity. “We have the tools,” Elko said pointedly. “But tools mean nothing if you don’t know how to use them, or if you’re too afraid to get your hands dirty.”
For Texas A\&M fans, this type of brutal assessment might seem like a jarring departure from the usual coach platitudes. But those who’ve followed Elko’s career know this is precisely why he was brought back to College Station. Before accepting the head coaching job in 2023, Elko spent four years as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher, building one of the most formidable defenses in the SEC. He understood the culture, the expectations, and perhaps more importantly, the pitfalls that had kept the program from ascending to the elite level its resources and fanbase demanded.
What makes Elko’s approach so intriguing is that his honesty doesn’t come off as defeatist or pessimistic—it feels constructive. His tone wasn’t one of blame, but of responsibility. He repeatedly used the phrase “we’re not there yet,” but followed it up each time with a detailed breakdown of what “there” looks like: discipline, consistency, physicality, and a deep understanding of situational football. These aren’t just coaching buzzwords—they’re the cornerstones of successful programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, all of whom Elko openly referenced as benchmarks for A\&M’s development.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of Elko’s media session came when he addressed the internal culture of the locker room. “You can’t fake toughness. You can’t fake leadership,” he said. “We’ve had guys in the past who looked like warriors in practice but disappeared when the game was on the line.” This assessment was not meant to embarrass or call out former players but to illustrate the importance of cultivating a team identity rooted in genuine accountability. Elko stressed that his staff has worked tirelessly this offseason to instill a player-led culture, where leadership is earned and respected, not handed out based on recruiting stars or seniority.
Recruiting, of course, remains a central part of any SEC program’s identity, and Elko didn’t shy away from discussing it. Texas A\&M has long recruited at a high level, often landing top-10 classes filled with blue-chip prospects. But Elko pointed out the difference between talent acquisition and talent development—a gap that has been particularly stark in College Station over the past decade. “I’m less interested in how many stars a kid has and more interested in how many times he’s been punched in the mouth and got back up,” Elko quipped. That line drew laughter from the crowd, but the underlying message was clear: mental fortitude is the new recruiting currency under Mike Elko.
It’s no secret that the Aggies have underachieved relative to their immense financial investment in the football program. With state-of-the-art facilities, a passionate and loyal fan base, and access to some of the best talent pipelines in the country, Texas A\&M should be a perennial contender. Yet, they’ve struggled to find consistency, especially in the brutal SEC West. Elko addressed this reality head-on, acknowledging the external pressure while also emphasizing the importance of internal standards. “The pressure doesn’t come from the outside. The expectations that matter come from inside this building,” he said. That internal accountability, he argued, is what separates good teams from great ones.
Elko also offered insights into the structural and philosophical changes he’s implemented over the past year. From revamped strength and conditioning programs to a renewed emphasis on special teams, nothing has been left untouched. He highlighted a few rising stars on the roster who exemplify the grit and dedication he expects from his players—guys who “show up early, stay late, and never ask for praise.” While he didn’t name every standout, it’s clear that Elko values the less flashy but crucial elements of team building.
When asked about quarterback play—a recurring sore spot for A\&M in recent years—Elko provided a detailed yet grounded evaluation. “We need a field general, not a stat-sheet hero,” he said. “Someone who understands when to take risks and when to protect the football.” He praised the offseason work ethic of his quarterback room but made it clear that starting jobs would not be handed out based on past performances or public opinion. Every position, including quarterback, is up for grabs and will be earned based on performance, leadership, and consistency.
Another highlight of Elko’s media appearance was his outlook on the SEC’s evolving landscape. With Texas and Oklahoma set to join the conference, the competition level will only intensify. Elko was both realistic and excited about the challenge. “If you’re afraid of competition, you shouldn’t be in this league. Period,” he declared. He pointed out that A\&M’s historic rivalries will be reinvigorated, particularly with Texas, but cautioned that emotional games won’t mean much without foundational excellence.
Beyond football specifics, Elko also touched on the importance of academics, character development, and community engagement. “We’re building men, not just football players,” he said. He described several initiatives his staff has launched to improve player life skills, including financial literacy workshops, leadership seminars, and mental health support. While these elements often get overshadowed by Saturday’s scoreboard, Elko emphasized that long-term success is measured by what kind of individuals the program produces—not just wins and losses.
Yet Elko’s honesty, as admirable as it is, comes with inherent risk. Brutal self-assessment in the SEC can open a coach up to criticism if the team doesn’t show visible progress quickly. Elko seems to understand this, but he’s betting on the power of transparency to build trust. That trust, he believes, will translate into a stronger locker room, better performance, and a team that fans can rally behind, win or lose. “I don’t promise wins. I promise work,” he concluded—a statement that perhaps best captures his coaching philosophy.
The reaction to Elko’s media day appearance has been largely positive, even from national pundits who have previously criticized the direction of the Aggies program. His clear-eyed vision, combined with his willingness to challenge the status quo, provides a stark contrast to the often overly optimistic tone that defines SEC Media Days. He didn’t come to Nashville to sell a brand—he came to set a standard.
As Texas A\&M enters the 2025 season, expectations will remain high, as they always do in College Station. But the narrative has shifted slightly under Elko’s leadership. No longer is the focus on splashy recruiting classes or preseason hype. Instead, it’s about grit, development, and daily accountability. Elko’s brutal honesty may not win every press conference, but it’s the kind of authenticity that wins over locker rooms—and eventually, wins football games.
If Elko’s message resonates with his players the same way it did with the media, then Texas A\&M might finally be on the path to becoming the program its fans have long believed it could be. And if that happens, SEC opponents better take notice—because the Aggies won’t just be physically tougher. They’ll be mentally tougher, more disciplined, and more dangerous than they’ve been in a very long time. And that journey, as Elko so poignantly made clear, starts with looking in the mirror, telling the truth, and doing the work.
