Mike Elko’s first season as head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies was a solid foundation, with the team reaching as high as No. 10 in the national rankings and finishing with an 8-5 record, including a 5-3 mark against SEC opponents. Notable victories over No. 9 Missouri and No. 8 LSU highlighted the potential of Elko’s leadership, especially considering it was his inaugural year in College Station. While an 8-5 record might not turn heads, it was a respectable start in the unforgiving SEC, a conference where new coaches often face steep challenges. Elko’s ability to steer the Aggies to these wins, particularly against ranked teams, demonstrated his capacity to compete at a high level, but it also set the stage for higher expectations moving forward.
Elko’s ambition, however, extends far beyond mere solidity. At a recent event, he articulated a vision that echoes the dominance Nick Saban achieved at Alabama, emphasizing the need to build a program capable of overcoming any opponent in the SEC. “Our goal is to build the best program we are capable of being,” Elko said. “When we do that, it won’t matter who we play or who is in the SEC. No one will be able to stop us.” This aspiration is rooted in the understanding that sustained success in the SEC requires not just coaching prowess but also a relentless focus on recruiting and talent acquisition. Elko’s 2024 recruiting class, ranked No. 19, and his 2025 class, currently at No. 9, show promise but fall short of the elite classes that define SEC powerhouses. To realize his vision, Elko must leverage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal to attract top-tier talent, transforming Texas A&M into a destination for the best players in the country.
The 2025 season will be a critical test of Elko’s blueprint, starting with a high-profile game at Notre Dame on September 13. This matchup, followed by a daunting SEC schedule that includes games at LSU, Missouri, and Texas, will provide ample opportunity for Elko and his Aggies to prove their mettle. Winning these big games consistently is essential to shifting the narrative around Texas A&M from a solid program to a dominant one. The SEC is a gauntlet, and for Elko, it’s about translating his vision into victories, making big wins the norm rather than the exception. The 2025 season is on the horizon, and with it, a chance for Elko to show that his first year was just the beginning. The college football world is watching, and for Texas A&M, it’s about rising to the challenge and cementing their place among the SEC’s elite.
