Texas A&M Football: Five Bold Takes for the Upcoming Campaign
The Aggies are coming off a playoff season but must replace several NFL-bound starters. The SI staff predicts that Northwestern transfer Anto Saka will become a top pass rusher, and that quarterback Marcel Reed will capture the Heisman Trophy. Additional bold forecasts are also presented.
The Aggies enter 2026 after a College Football Playoff appearance, but coach Mike Elko faces significant roster turnover with several starters departing for the NFL. Northwestern transfer Anto Saka is expected to fill the pass-rushing void left by leading sack producer Cahius Howell, with staff predicting a breakout season for him.
Quarterback Marcel Reed returns as a Heisman contender after a strong 2025 campaign marred by late-game interceptions against Texas and Miami. The schedule includes road tests at LSU, Alabama, and Oklahoma, while receiver Mario Craver, who nearly reached 1,000 yards last season, is projected to exceed 1,200 all-purpose yards under new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins.
This story could shape perceptions of Texas A&M's program nationally, as bold predictions about a Heisman winner and playoff return may raise fan expectations and media scrutiny. If the Aggies underperform, the pressure on coach Elko could intensify, while strong results might boost recruiting and conference standing. The predictions also highlight how transfer portal moves and player development are becoming central to college football's competitive landscape, affecting how fans and analysts evaluate program trajectories.