The Texas A&M Aggies are hoping their bye week will allow them to finish the 2026 season strong after being one of the most disappointing teams in the country over the first two-thirds of the season. They entered the season with playoff expectations, but those dreams are over after a 4-4 start.

One of the biggest reasons for their struggles has been the regression of quarterback Marcel Reed. The senior is not the only reason the offense has struggled, but he has been a key factor, and there have been plenty of calls for head coach Mike Elko to make a change at quarterback. On Wednesday's SEC coaches teleconference call, he said the Aggies are keeping Reed as the starter, according to On3's Carter Karels.

He also offered a short explanation as to why they are sticking with Reed over backup Brady Hart, despite him admitting he considered putting in Hart during the loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“We’re going to do what we believe is the right thing to do for us to win on Saturdays," he said.

Reed has completed a career-low 56.8% of his passes for 1,390 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions, averaging 173.8 yards per game. He has also rushed for 198 yards and three more touchdowns. While his struggles are extreme, he is far more experienced than Hart, who has played in six games during his two seasons with the Aggies.

Hart has completed 12 of his 21 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception this season. He also lacks Reed's mobility, something that is needed with the struggles along the offensive line.

Texas A&M will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 7, when they play the South Carolina Gamecocks on the road. The game is set to start at 2 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M to keep starting Marcel Reed at quarterback

Source: Yahoo Sports