ATLANTA — Eleven of the 16 SEC teams brought their quarterbacks to SEC media days, and Texas A&M wasn’t one of them.
It didn’t matter that Marcel Reed wasn’t there, though; the redshirt sophomore was still a hot topic of conversation, with much of the discussion focused on his development on the field and as a leader.
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But that’s not the only storyline for the Aggies and second-year head coach Mike Elko. They discussed focus, having a plan and correcting the mistakes from a disappointing 1-4 finish in the 2024 season. Elko, alongside cornerback Will Lee III, offensive lineman Ar’maj Reed-Adams and linebacker Taurean York, represented A&M during the week.
“The challenge for us has been to elevate that culture to a championship-level culture,” Elko told reporters Thursday. “It’s going to be our commitment to doing that every day that’s going to ultimately going to get Texas A&M football where it wants to be.”
Here are three observations from those availabilities:
MORE: A&M finds common theme after leaving ‘a lot on the table’ in 2024
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3 Texas A&M football observations from SEC media day 2025
The growth and development of A&M QB Marcel Reed
Reed is entering his first full season as the true QB1, and with that comes the responsibility to develop into a leader. According to his head coach and teammates, it’s a challenge Reed has met head-on this spring.
“We have quarterback Marcel Reed primed to take a huge jump this year,” Elko said. “… He’s a leader in his own way as he now steps into being the face of our program and the quarterback of our program.”
Reed-Adams shared stories from earlier this week, during which Reed voiced his displeasure with teammates’ effort in player-organized workouts. He explained how the small mistakes caused Reed to reprimand the wide receivers.
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“Every way possible,” Reed-Adams said of how Reed has taken on the leadership role. “He approaches the game as a starter and a pro.”
York echoed the sentiment, stating he “likes how (Reed is) progressing.” The two-time captain linebacker is the true leader of the team and has encouraged Reed to embrace the opportunity given to him.
It’s clear a lot of pressure will be placed on the Nashville, Tenn. native after replacing former starter Conner Weigman, who is now with the Houston Cougars. But by all accounts, Reed appears to be answering the call.
“He did not go into the year as the starter, and that makes it really challenging to step into the huddle as a leader,” Elko said. “He’s a guy people want to play for and want to play with.”
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) throws the ball against Southern California Trojans cornerback John Humphrey (19) in the first half Dec. 27, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Motivating the Aggies to turn the page
Between media obligations, A&M players were laughing, showing off their designer outfits and jewelry, and soaking in the moment at the College Football Hall of Fame. But when the cameras were on and questions about last year’s late-season collapse began, their demeanor changed. They were focused, insightful and many times transparent with the media. When it came to addressing the mistakes that occurred in 2024, their answers remained clear and concise.
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“You learn a lot about poise, you learn a lot about yourself when you’re going through tough times, and one thing about my guys is nobody ever complained,” York said. “We always put our best foot forward… we have so much work to do and we know that.”
The Aggies ended a promising 7-1 start by losing three straight SEC games in the final month, including a 17-7 loss to in-state rival Texas, during which they didn’t score an offensive touchdown. A&M’s defense allowed 32 points per week over the last three games of the season, including 35 to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl and 43 to Auburn in a four-overtime loss.
It’s those memories that leave Aggies players with a bad taste in their mouths — and the motivation to correct it.
“We’re really leaving it in the past, we’re focused on the now,” Lee said. “Coach’s big thing is, ‘live where your feet’s at,’ so, we’re focusing on every day, one day at a time to get better, and we’re getting ready for UTSA (Week 1 opponent).”
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Could A&M be a dark horse in 2025?
A&M finished ninth in the conference last season. A daunting road schedule this year that includes games at Notre Dame, LSU and Texas, so finding progress up the standings in 2025 is no small task.
The Aggies could be flying under the radar.
“You learn how you have to elevate your game in those matchups when you become that team,” Elko said of important games against good teams. “Our kids have a really strong chip on their shoulder to finish that thing the right way.”
With 15 returning starters and 72% of its production coming back from the previous season, A&M is rich in experience. Returners include seven offensive linemen and all four running backs from last year’s second-ranked SEC rushing attack.
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A&M added 13 players through the transfer portal, with many, hoping to make an impact this season.
“It feels like an experienced group in that they go about their business, they know what the expectations are,” Elko said “We have to take that experience into being really good football players.”
Reach Texas A&M Beat Reporter Tony Catalina via email at anthony.catalina@statesman.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: SEC media days: 3 observations from Texas A&M football’s time in Atlanta
