COLLEGE STATION — Heading into the stretch run of the season, Texas A&M football is riding high after a big win over a ranked LSU team in Death Valley.
The No. 3 Aggies are 8-0 for the first time since 1992 and have a real chance to make their first conference title game since claiming the Big 12 in 1998. They’re the final unbeaten SEC team and tied for first with a 5-0 conference record.
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But what lies behind their strong start? A stout defense? An improved passing attack? Strong special teams? With the Aggies on their final bye, it’s a good time to look at the statistics behind their win-loss record.
Here’s a look at five stats that tell the story of A&M’s season so far:
Quarterback Marcel Reed of Texas A&M celebrates with fans after a game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La.
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Texas A&M football: 5 stats vital to the 2025 season
Dominant 3rd down defense
Only Ohio State has been more effective than A&M at stopping opponents on third down.
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Through the first nine weeks, the Aggies rank No. 2 nationwide in third-down conversion defense, allowing conversions on just 22.2% of attempts. The Buckeyes are slightly better at 21.3% but have played one fewer game than the Aggies.
Head coach Mike Elko has taken over calling plays on defense this season and has helped the Aggies hold SEC opponents to just 8-for-55 on third down in five games. Auburn, Mississippi State and Florida combined for 2-for-33 on third down in the first three games.
Add A&M’s fourth-down defensive numbers, and teams are just 10-for-63 on the two crucial downs since starting conference play.
[ Photos of Texas A&M’s historic win over LSU ]
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Prolific scoring offense
Coming into the season, there was a belief that A&M would be a defense-first, run-the-ball type of team. Through eight games, the Aggies have proven they can be much more than that and boast one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses.
Heading into Week 10, A&M is 14th in the nation and third in the SEC in scoring offense, with an average of 37.8 points per game.
The Aggies have scored 40 or more points in five games this season— tied for second in the country among Power Four programs— and have tallied more than 30 in all but one.
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A&M targeted the transfer portal for ready-made talent, and with the additions of wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, the Aggies’ offense has improved from last year’s, which finished eighth in the conference and averaged 30.3 points per game.
Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion (right) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Terry Bussey in the second half Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La.
Gerald Herbert/Associated Press
MORE: Aggies’ updated standings in national polls following Week 9
Best in the nation at getting after QB
A&M had three players from the 2024 defensive line picked within the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Replacing that production was a valid concern heading into the season. However, with SEC-sack leader Cashius Howell emerging and several transfer portal additions, the Aggies enter Week 10 leading the nation with 32 sacks.
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In 2024 the Aggies finished with 25 total sacks.
Howell has tallied 9½ sacks, while edge rusher Dayon Hayes and defensive tackle DJ Hicks have three apiece. Thirteen Aggies have registered at least one sack; seven players have at least two.
Growth in Marcel Reed, passing game
Redshirt sophomore Marcel Reed. Reed was already known for his dynamic athleticism, but questions about his passing ability lingered after a 61.3% completion percentage on 240 attempts last season. Although he’d be the first to tell you he’s still a work in progress, there’s no denying that Reed has taken a step as a passer in 2025.
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The Aggies are currently ranked 36th nationally in passing yards (259.1), and Reed ranks fifth in the SEC for passing yards, averaging 246.5 yards per game.
Reed has thrown for 1,972 yards and 17 touchdowns with six interceptions. He’s a Heisman Trophy candidate more than halfway through conference play, completing a career-high 61.4% of his passes. Reed has 349 rushing yards and six rushing scores.
Top-20 red zone offense
One of the most significant indicators of a good team is its production within the red zone. The ability to convert possessions into points, especially within the opponent’s 20-yard line, is crucial.
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In 2025, A&M has been nearly perfect at it.
With about a month left in the regular season, the Aggies rank ninth in the country and boast a 93.8% success rate in the red zone. They have scored on 30 of 32 red zone possessions, including 24 touchdowns and six field goals.
The most recent miscue occurred last week in Death Valley, when Reed threw an interception in the end zone against LSU.
Klein’s offense has flashed impressive creativity within the red zone, including the use of tight end Nate Boerkircher as a runner in goal-to-go situations, which has resulted in two touchdowns.
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Strong performances from running backs— the group has accounted for 11 rushing touchdowns this season— combined with Reed’s skill in maintaining the ball in run-pass options, have made the Aggies nearly unstoppable.
Texas A&M running back Rueben Owens II celebrates with offensive lineman Chase Bisontis after scoring a touchdown in the second half against Arkansas on Oct. 18, 2025 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. The Aggies won 45-42.
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Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer