Texas A&M ranked as one of 10 teams ‘likely to disappoint’ in 2026

Texas A&M’s football program is in good hands under third-year coach Mike Elko, but for some Aggie fans, especially those who were alive and kicking during the ugly years during the early to mid-2000’s, outside of the magical 2012 season, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel.

It’s easy to dwell on the past, especially former head coach Jimbo Fisher’s six-year run that included just two nine-win seasons, and zero appearances in the College Football Playoff, despite landing the much-discussed 2022 recruiting class that soon crumbled, outside of defensive back Bryce Anderson, who is the only player still on the roster.

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After Fisher was dismissed just one game before the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, former Texas A&M AD Ross Bjork nearly fumbled at the goal line during the hiring process, favoring now former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops as Fisher’s replacement, before alumni/fan pressure led to the logical decision to hire Mike Elko, who served as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

Right off the bat, Elko envisioned a Texas A&M program built on a strong culture of dedication, leadership, and consistent, physical play on the field, which led to a 7-1 start in his inaugural 2024 season. However, after star running back Le’Veon Moss was injured and lost for the year, the Aggies stumbled down the stretch, finishing 1-4 and 8-5 overall.

Heading into his second season at the helm, Elko envisioned that his stacked 2025 roster would send “10-12” players to the 2026 NFL Draft, and after the Aggies reached 11-0 for the first time since 1993, including the program’s first trip to the CFP, the New Jersey native’s prediction came true after a record 10 Texas A&M players were selected in April’s draft.

Making it to the College Football Playoff, despite losing to Miami, was another box checked for Elko, but losing to Texas for the second straight season has become a significant issue, and could result in another disappointing end to the year if the Aggies can’t predict home-field advantage and defeat the Longhorns in Kyle Field this season.

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On Monday, the always entertaining Message Board Geniuses devised a list of the “10 teams most likely to disappoint in 2026,” with the likely preseason top-3-ranked Texas Longhorns coming in at No. 1, and Texas A&M ranked 5th.

Yes, it’s more than possible that the Aggies could disappoint given the tough road schedule, Marcel Reed not reaching his full potential, and an offensive line with four new starters, but given last season’s success, the 17 transfer portal additions, and Mike Elko’s coaching chops, it’s also fair to be excited about what Texas A&M could do this fall.