The Aggies are chomping at the bit! Head Coach Mike Elko pulled back the curtain on a ‘really good camp’ and the excitement building for the season opener. From player retention to the legendary 12th Man, he shared it all. What are your expectations for Texas A&M this football season?

Anticipation is at an all-time high in College Station as Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko provided an in-depth look into the Aggies’ preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 season opener against UTSA. Speaking at the first “Aggie Football Hour” of the season, Elko offered candid insights into the team’s fall camp, player development, and the overall trajectory of the program under his leadership as the season debut rapidly approaches.

Elko commenced his address by commending the team’s performance during fall camp, describing it as “a really good camp.” He highlighted the squad’s veteran composition, noting that their experience translated into exceptional professionalism and a dedicated approach. The coaching staff observed a palpable excitement and a readiness among the players, who are now “chomping at the bit to play football,” signaling a focused and eager team primed for competition.

A significant point of pride for the program is its enhanced ability to retain “fringe NFL talent.” Elko emphasized that this success stems from the players’ inherent confidence in the coaching staff’s vision and the program’s overall direction. This internal belief is a testament to the strong culture being cultivated, where athletes see a clear path for development and success, choosing to return to college football with the Aggies despite professional opportunities.

The running back unit, affectionately known as “The Stable,” garnered particular praise from Coach Elko. He characterized them as a “really tight-knit group” comprised of “selfless guys.” The return of three key running backs for their final year of college football underscores the unit’s cohesion and dedication, promising a formidable ground attack for the upcoming Texas A&M Football season.

Reflecting on his experiences, Elko shared his profound appreciation for the legendary “12th Man.” He stated that experiencing the fervent support from the sidelines is something he “would never take away,” emphasizing that the level of support at Texas A&M is “unmatched.” This unique fan experience significantly contributes to the team’s home-field advantage and overall program identity.

Defensively, the return of the experienced defensive back group is a major boost. Elko noted the focus on refining “finer details of how we want coverages to look” and expressed the critical importance of getting Tyreek Chappell back to full health. He observed that the defensive backs appear “more physical” and are also eager to demonstrate their capabilities on the field, indicating a strong secondary for the Aggie Camp efforts.

Looking ahead to the season opener, Elko acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the UTSA Roadrunners. He praised Coach Traylor’s exceptional work in building their program, noting their talented quarterback, skilled wide receivers, and four returning starters on the offensive line. Texas A&M, Elko stressed, must deliver their absolute best performance to secure the desired outcome against a team “set for a big year.”

Beyond football, Elko celebrated broader successes within Aggie athletics, specifically mentioning Coach Morrison’s significant win over Minnesota, highlighting a collective momentum within the institution. He concluded by expressing the team’s commitment to upholding their end of the bargain, aiming to put a “championship program on display” and contribute to the “fun times here in Aggieland.”