Luke White, Sports Editor
@lukewhite03
Prediction: 8-4
A few years ago, most Aggies would have sighed at the thought of another 8-4 season, a result that has seemed all too commonplace over the past decade. Good, but not great.
These days, the 12th Man would happily welcome an eight-win season. After two mediocre seasons, it would be a step in the right direction under new coach Mike Elko.
Texas A&M certainly has the talent to reach for the stars this year, but that’s easier said than done. With an 8-4 record, the Aggies could defeat strong opponents at Kyle Field and win multiple road games for the first time since 2021.
Braxton Dore’, Sports Editor
@braxtond1088
Prediction: 9-3
With arguably one of the weakest schedules in the SEC, A&M could surprise fans this year and possibly win nine games for the first time since 2020. Fortunately, the Aggies’ toughest matchups will come under the bright lights of Kyle Field.
I am convinced that the games against Texas, Missouri and Notre Dame are definitely winnable with the 12th man at the helm of the team – barring unforeseen injuries, of course.
Reinforcements on the defensive line, such as transfer Nic Scourton, as well as the return of Elko from his stint as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator, will strengthen one of the best defensive fronts in the SEC.
Matthew Seaver, sports editor
@Matthew_Seaver
Prediction: 8-4
After predicting four of the Aggies’ five losses last yearI like to think my bearish outlook gives me an edge in predicting their season. A&M has a very easy schedule by SEC standards, and all four of its toughest games are at home. Too bad this isn’t EA Sports College Football 25, and the stadium pulse is of limited use in real life.
This team comes into the year with a lot of momentum under Elko. While I think the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are significantly overrated, I just think they’ll do better than the Aggies. Then I expect A&M to ruin my birthday and lose to the Missouri Tigers because junior wide receiver Luther Burden III is what Evan Stewart should be.
Then I have the Aggies losing another close match to the LSU Tigers because they are simply more talented than A&M. And then the final loss of the season to the team from Austin that I refuse to acknowledge or even consider. I have dreamed of beating the team in burnt orange for over a decade – even considering losing to those Longhorns is heartbreaking.
I think it’s a great building year for Elko’s program and A&M is definitely moving in the right direction. The Aggies will most likely miss the playoffs, but may still be able to sneak in depending on how the cards fall out with the new 12-team format.
Mathias Cubillan, sports journalist
@mathiascubillan
Prediction: 8-4
It’s easy and perhaps unfair to say this, but A&M’s season is going the way sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman is going. In an admittedly small sample size in 2023, Weigman has shown he can provide the Aggies with a foundation for competitive play. If Weigman can prove he can elevate the moronic collection of talented players around him to a higher level, A&M will be a tough opponent in the SEC.
On the other side of the ball, Elko’s front seven should be a nightmare for opposing offenses. With a favorable game plan and a defense that allows the Aggies to compete in every game, Weigman should be able to lead A&M to a successful season.
Shalina Sabih, sports, life and art writer
@shalina__s
Prediction: 7-5
Ever since the SEC ruled that Texas Longhorns opponents would not be penalized for displaying the “Horns Down” symbol, I’ve been very excited about the A&M-UT rivalry, and it’s really because the Aggies have the home field advantage.
Under Elko, who is known for his defensive prowess, A&M’s defense is expected to be a strong team. If Elko can get the most out of this team, especially on defense, it will be a significant step up from former coach Jimbo Fisher’s overpaid and underperforming tenure. As long as Elko coaches with the intensity and strategic acumen he is known for, Aggie fans will have plenty to be excited about this season.
On offense, the Aggies may rely more on their passing game to make up for the loss of sophomore running back Rueben Owens. This could also create opportunities for other quarterbacks and receivers to step in. With Owens out with a lower-body injury, junior RB Amari Daniels will likely take on an even larger role. Daniels has shown an ability to move the chains consistently, averaging 5.1 yards per carry last season.
That being said, Aggie football will win against McNeese, Bowling Green, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi State, New Mexico State and Texas. I expect it to lose against Notre Dame, Florida, LSU, South Carolina and Auburn. A&M has the potential to earn a spot in the SEC Championship game and specific performances will be a key factor in the games against LSU and Texas.
Ian Curtis, Features Editor
@Texiancurtis
Prediction: 7-5
As much as I’m encouraged by everything Elko has done since taking over as A&M’s head coach, this is still the first year of a new regime. It’s not a complete rebuild — the Aggies return plenty of talent, including Weigman, to complement a number of transfers — but with margins as slim as ever in a new-look SEC, we’re still in for an adjustment period.
Rationally, I think this team will go 8-4. Due to my “Battered Aggie Syndrome,” I have to lower my prediction by one game out of pure BAS-induced pessimism. I fully believe Elko’s tenure in Aggieland will be very successful, but I wouldn’t expect him to make the playoffs in his first year (though I’d be happy if I’m wrong).
If the Aggies beat my admittedly conservative prediction — and I hope they do — they’ll have their defensive line to thank for it. Regardless of A&M’s winning record, that unit, led by junior returner Shemar Stewart and transfer (and Bryan native!) Nic Scourton, will play a major role in several close victories this season.
DJ Burton, sports journalist
@deejburt
Prediction: 9-3
Coach Elko and Co. have breathed new life into Aggieland before a game has even been played. Aggie fans are now wondering how long the fuel will last.
The Aggies will start hot with a Week 1 win against No. 7 Notre Dame, which is led by Elko’s former Duke quarterback, senior Riley Leonard. A win here sets the tone for the start of the season, and the Aggies are off to a 5-0 start.
The Maroon and White will lose three games this season: at home against Missouri and LSU and away against South Carolina.
Avoiding the wave of injuries that has occurred in the last few seasons, will be crucial for the Aggies to earn a win over Texas in A&M’s most important game of the season, earn them a playoff spot and exceed all expectations in Elko’s first year.
Chris Swann, Head of Photography
@chrissswannphoto
Prediction: 8-4
For some reason the sports department allowed me to give it a try. Don’t take this too seriously, it’s coming from a photo guy.
The Aggies seem to be one of the biggest question marks in all of college football. This is a completely different team under Elko and his staff, so it’s always difficult to make a prediction.
I don’t know if I believe the SEC “surprise” predictions I see on social media. However, I do think the Aggies have the potential to exceed expectations, with the toughest matchups coming at home. That is, if Weigman stays healthy. If he’s injured, the “Battered Aggie Syndrome” will continue.
