Texas A\&M head coach Mike Elko opened fall camp Tuesday with a message that reverberated throughout Aggieland: the 2025 season isn’t just about improvement—it’s about proving something. With the echoes of past seasons’ unfulfilled promises still lingering, Elko walked into the press room carrying both the weight of expectations and the quiet confidence of a man who’s done this before. And when he spoke, there was a distinct tone in his voice that suggested this group of Aggies might be different.
The atmosphere surrounding the Texas A\&M football program heading into the 2025 season is starkly different than in years past. After enduring seasons marred by inconsistency, high-profile letdowns, and a carousel of quarterback questions, the team appears more unified and focused than it’s been in a long time. Elko, now firmly in command of the program after taking over following Jimbo Fisher’s departure, is entering his second full season with a roster that is a mix of veterans hungry to win and talented underclassmen eager to prove themselves. And according to Elko and many of the players who spoke Tuesday, there’s a tangible sense of belief coursing through the locker room.
The core of that belief starts with the culture Elko has instilled since returning to College Station. Known during his previous stint as defensive coordinator for bringing discipline and tactical sharpness, Elko’s brand of leadership has emphasized accountability, toughness, and clarity. Unlike past years, where hype and recruiting rankings sometimes seemed to eclipse development and cohesion, the 2025 Aggies are talking less and working more. Elko said Tuesday that the offseason was spent focusing on mastering fundamentals, building trust between players and coaches, and creating an environment where complacency simply won’t be tolerated.
That shift is evident across the board. Offensively, Texas A\&M is looking for greater consistency and explosiveness, particularly at quarterback. Last season’s rotation and instability under center was a major reason for the Aggies’ mid-tier SEC finish. But now, there is cautious optimism. Quarterback Bryce Anderson, who stepped into the starting role late last year and showed flashes of promise, enters fall camp as the presumed starter. Elko made it clear that the position is still competitive, but also praised Anderson’s command of the offense and leadership in summer workouts. Anderson’s dual-threat ability gives the Aggies an extra dimension they’ve lacked in recent seasons, and if he can reduce mistakes and improve his pocket awareness, the Aggie offense could take a major leap forward.
Supporting Anderson is a deep and diverse group of skill-position players. Wide receivers Noah Thomas and Moose Muhammad III return as experienced targets with big-play ability, and the backfield is anchored by Reuben Owens, whose explosive running style could make him one of the top backs in the SEC if he remains healthy. The offensive line, often a sore spot in recent seasons, has added much-needed size and depth through the portal and internal development. Elko emphasized that the line’s chemistry and protection schemes have been focal points during the offseason, and players say there’s a new level of confidence in the trenches.
On the defensive side, where Elko’s influence is most felt, the Aggies are leaning into their identity. Elko said that the unit’s goal is to be “relentless, physical, and unpredictable”—three traits that define the kind of aggressive defense he’s built over the years. The defensive front, led by Shemar Turner and LT Overton, looks poised to disrupt opposing offenses with a combination of speed and strength. The linebacker corps, bolstered by the return of Edgerrin Cooper and the arrival of some promising underclassmen, adds versatility and intelligence in the middle. In the secondary, the Aggies are seeking more consistency in coverage and communication. Elko singled out safety Bryce Anderson (not to be confused with the QB of the same name) as a player who has emerged as a vocal leader and tone-setter on the back end.
What stands out most, though, is how the players talk about the team. There’s a refrain that kept coming up during media availability—one player after another mentioned how “together” the group feels, how different the vibe is compared to last year, and how hard they’ve been working not for individual accolades but for each other. Senior offensive lineman Layden Robinson said this year’s squad “feels like a brotherhood.” Defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson echoed the sentiment, saying, “We know what we’ve got to prove. And we’re not just saying it—we’re doing the work.” That mentality is no accident. Elko has placed a heavy emphasis on leadership development, requiring veteran players to take ownership of the locker room and foster a culture of internal accountability. The result is a team that doesn’t seem rattled by the expectations—or the criticism—that come with playing in the SEC.
And expectations are certainly there. Texas A\&M has invested heavily in its football program, from facilities to NIL backing to recruiting, and fans are eager to see results. The 2025 schedule doesn’t offer much margin for error, with early challenges including a neutral-site matchup against Notre Dame and a road trip to Florida. The SEC West remains a gauntlet, with Alabama and LSU still looming as powerhouse opponents. But if the Aggies can find early rhythm and stay healthy, there’s a growing sense that they could be this year’s breakout team.
One of the more notable changes this year is the attitude toward adversity. In years past, Texas A\&M has struggled to respond when things don’t go according to plan—whether it was an early injury, a road upset, or quarterback controversy. But Elko’s message has been clear: resilience must be built in, not reactive. The team’s offseason conditioning program reflected that, pushing players to their physical and mental limits with the goal of forging a more durable identity. Coaches and players alike have cited those workouts as transformative, helping teammates bond through shared struggle and creating a foundation of toughness they hope will carry through the season.
There’s also a noticeable quiet confidence in Elko himself. He’s not the kind of coach to make grand declarations or stir media frenzies, but his belief in his team was evident on Tuesday. He spoke about the details—the incremental improvements, the behind-the-scenes sacrifices, the late-night film sessions—as the things that will define the 2025 Aggies, not the headlines or hype. Asked whether this team can compete for an SEC title, Elko didn’t flinch. “I believe we’re building something real,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it’s easy. But I believe in these players, I believe in our coaches, and I believe that if we continue to do things the right way, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”
Perhaps more than anything, that’s the theme emerging from this camp: belief. Not the kind based on hope or projection, but one rooted in effort, shared commitment, and a hard-earned sense of readiness. It’s too early to say whether that belief will translate to wins on Saturdays, but for the first time in a long time, it doesn’t feel like a sales pitch. It feels real. Elko and the Aggies know that words mean little if they aren’t backed up on the field. But for now, as fall camp begins, there’s a sense in College Station that something is shifting. The 2025 season may not be about redemption or reinvention. It may simply be about realization—the realization of potential, of identity, and of a team that has finally figured out who it is and what it wants to be. And if they’re right, the rest of the SEC may be in for a surprise.
