Mike Elko: Texas A&M's 'physicality' has taken steps forward

Texas A&M's 2026 season is on the brink of total collapse, and while some may read this and laugh, believing the Aggies have already reached that level, four consecutive losses over the final four weeks of the regular season looked unfathomable before coach Mike Elko's third campaign began.

It's hard to pinpoint the exact issue that has plagued the Aggies beyond Mike Elko's decision to elevate Holmon Wiggins and Lyle Hemphill as the program's offensive and defensive play-callers, even though both lacked experience in that role.

These moves, just weeks after Texas A&M appeared in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, have reached a level of confusion that truly can't be justified. Texas A&M has the funds to hire outside veteran options at OC and DC, yet starting quarterback Marcel Reed's struggles down the stretch last season should have been the first sign he was a poor fit.

Nevertheless, Mike Elko has chosen to stick with Reed, who has thrown just eight touchdowns to eight interceptions, and during the Aggies' 31-20 road loss in Week 8, the offense finally looked competent, at least in the first half, entering halftime tied 17-17.

After taking a 20-17 lead in the second half, Marcel Reed and center Mark Nabou's miscommunication led to a fourth-down fumble, and Alabama scored back-to-back touchdowns to prevent a massive upset. On Monday, after A&M's Week 9 bye, Mike Elko discussed the team's struggles to finish games, citing the Alabama loss as the latest example.

"I thought there were times in the Alabama game where we played football the way we would like to. Physicality has taken some steps forward on both sides of the football."

"We didn't finish the game, obviously, the way we would've wanted to or get it done in the fourth quarter the way we needed to be successful."

Texas A&M's defense fought till the very end, so kudos to them, but Marcel Reed's inability to lead the offense when the chips are down has not been on display once this season, leading many to question Mike Elko's steadfast support of his role as the starter.

Freshman running back KJ Edwards will continue to serve as the team's go-to option on the ground, and against South Carolina star Edge Dylan Stewart, running the ball early and often looks like the Aggies' best option.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko: Texas A&M's 'physicality' has taken steps forward