Dec. 25, 2025, 5:03 a.m. CT
Texas A&M’s 2025 season ending early wasn’t the plan for head coach Mike Elko and his veteran team, as the Aggies failed to score a touchdown against Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff, despite playing at home. However, the wind was an issue and definitely affected both quarterbacks in the pocket.
Still, outside of Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed’s three turnovers, including two interceptions, the Aggie run defense was horrific for the second consecutive game, allowing Miami running back Mark Fletcher to rush for 172 yards and 10 yards per carry.
On the other side, Texas A&M couldn’t run the ball, mainly due to poor run blocking, which could be an issue next season if head coach Mike Elko doesn’t land at least two offensive linemen from the transfer portal.
Heading into the 2026 offseason, left tackle Trey Zuhn, right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams, and right tackle Dametreous Crownover will all depart for the NFL, leaving Elko and OL coach Adam Cushing to either depend on younger players to step up or land starting-level tackles to fill the void.
Right now, two names to watch are LSU offensive tackle Carius Curne and LSU starting left guard Coen Echols, who both entered the transfer portal this week, while Echols is a former Texas A&M commit who would be an immediate plug-and-play option at right guard.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Curne, who appeared in seven games at both right and left tackle, struggled in pass protection against the Aggies and Arkansas, but improved later in the year, while earning 65-plus run blocking grades (PFF) in three of his seven starts. Still, according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Arkansas is the school to watch, as Curne is an Arkansas native and would be a big part of new Razorbacks head coach Ryan Silverfield’s run-heavy offense.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.