ESPN places Texas A&M in Tier 3: 'Maybe this is their year?'

ESPN has ranked Texas A&M in Tier 3, suggesting this could be the year for the Aggies. The latest US LBM Coaches Poll had the team at No. 8 earlier this month, and they are just 21 days away from their season-opening game against Missouri State. Coach Mike Elko, in his third season, led the Aggies to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history during his second year, with 10 players being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Elko's rise through the coaching ranks, including time as A&M's defensive coordinator and two seasons with Duke, has been instrumental in the team's success.

Returning 65% of the 2025 roster, Texas A&M added 17 transfer portal players and the 2026 signing class to bolster their squad. The Aggies' first seven preseason practices impressed those covering the program and demonstrated a roster stacked with veteran talent. Starting quarterback Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, has higher expectations following his performance last year.

ESPN's tier rankings include BYU, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and USC alongside Texas A&M. Writer David Hale reviewed the Aggies' 2025 statistics, noting their 47.1% successful play rate on offense against FBS opponents and a 65.1% success rate on defense. The Aggies' differential of plus-12.32 percentage points was 50% better than any other SEC team.

While the 2026 schedule is challenging, with a focus on the new offensive line starters, Reed's improvement in the pocket, and the revamped defensive line, Texas A&M's loaded secondary could give Head Coach Holmon Wiggins ample opportunities to score 30 or more points per game.