Dec. 10, 2025, 6:03 a.m. CT
Texas A&M (11-1, 7-1 SEC) will host Miami (10-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff, which is the first appearance for both programs, who are highly similar on paper. However, the Aggies are coming off a disappointing regular-season finale loss to the Texas Longhorns, falling 27-17 in Austin (TX), while the Hurricanes have blown out their last four opponents.
On paper, this should be a close game that may come down to the final possession. Still, knowing that the Aggies are at home, and should be fully healthy for the first time all season with the impending return of star running back Le’Veon Moss, who has missed the last five games due to an ankle injury.
On Monday, without naming any names, head coach Mike Elko revealed that every injured player, including senior linebacker Scooby Williams and safety Bryce Anderson, is “great” and on track to return against the Hurricanes, likely the plan all along. Moss’s importance can’t be overstated.
To beat a team like Miami, Texas A&M will need a balanced rushing attack, which will open up play-action opportunities in the passing game, where starting quarterback Marcel Reed thrives. So, what do the experts believe a week and a half before the big game?
According to ESPN’s FPI predictor, the Aggies are 4-point favorites and currently have a 54.3% chance of making it past the first round. Surprising? No. As I stated above, this has all the makings of a close game based on both teams’ performances this season. However, the name to watch is Miami freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who finished the regular season with 970 yards and seven touchdowns.
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