Attaining excellence is difficult. Maintaining it is even tougher.
When coach Mike Elko took over the Texas A&M football program, his goal was consistent excellence.
As one of 12 teams to make the College Football Playoff, the Aggies attained a degree of excellence.
The Aggies begin a quest to maintain excellence on Saturday at 6 p.m. when they open the 2026 season against Missouri State at Kyle Field.
Missouri State was in the FCS Missouri Valley Conference just two years ago. Last season, the Bears finished tied for fourth in Conference-USA.
Still, they’ve made a good impression on Elko.
“They were a bowl team last year,” Elko said. “They won seven games. They’re making tremendous investments into their program. They hired an elite coach (former SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods). They’re recruiting at a really high level for their level and their conference, so I think they’re definitely here for the long haul.”
For A&M to maintain excellence for the long haul, the Aggies need to fortify certain areas and improve on others.
The rebuilt offensive line, which has only center Mark Nabou Jr. as a returning starter, must prove itself. Quarterback Marcel Reed has to reduce last year’s interception total of 12. Transfer receiver Isaiah Horton is counted on to replace some of the production of departed NFL first-round draft choice KC Concepcion.
The defense hopes to significantly increase its 2025 interceptions total of three. The pass rush needs a boost from newcomers like Anto Saka. Likewise, transfer linebacker Ray Coney is looked on to help fill gaps and prevent explosive running plays, which was a recurring problem a year ago.
Elko isn’t expecting the opening game to reveal final answers. Rather, he sees it as a gauge to learn how far the Aggies have to go.
“We want to go out, and we want to see where we are, knowing that what we are going to be is way better than that each week we go out there,” he said. “I don’t know that you have these things you’re looking for.
“I feel like, sometimes, in openers, people are trying to identify is this team going to be good enough.
“I know we’re good enough to compete. I know we have enough talent to be in this thing. I know we’re going to have an opportunity.”
Facing Missouri State is just a first step in the process of taking advantage of opportunity.
“What we have to do is be a team that focuses on what is important to play winning football, and that grows week to week,” Elko said. “For me, it’s I want to go out there, I want to play somebody. I want to see where we’re at. And then from there it’s going to be really important that we grow coming out of it.”
