Week 1's Overnight Sensation: KJ Edwards, Running Back

Each Monday during the 2026 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance over the weekend and earned the distinction of being the week’s “Overnight Sensation.”

Nine months ago, running back KJ Edwards claimed offensive MVP as Carthage High School went on to win its third consecutive state title.

Nine months later, the freshman flashed in his collegiate debut.

On Saturday night, Edwards helped provide a boost to Texas A&M’s run game in the second half as the Aggies dismantled Missouri State, 50-0.

And he looked incredibly comfortable doing it.

In the opener, Edwards ran five times for 44 yards. He led all backs with an average of 8.8 yards per carry.

His night began in the third quarter, when some of A&M’s backups entered the game, but if you weren’t paying attention, you might not have thought so.

The running game struggled in the first half, making Edwards’ initial 11-yard gain all the more notable.

“I thought Carsyn (Baker) and KJ looked really dynamic back there with the ball in their hands,” head coach Mike Elko said. “Those two kids are going to play a lot. I think they'll play much more meaningful reps as we move forward.”

Rivaling Edwards for the title of Overnight Sensation was Baker, who rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown. The two backs spearheaded A&M’s first fourth-quarter drive.

Edwards’ pickups of 12 and eight placed the Aggies inside the red zone. Baker did the rest with a 12-yard rush to the end zone.

“We kind of anticipated it going like that, where it would be Rueben (Owens II) and Jamarion (Morrow) early and then Carsyn Baker and KJ Edwards late,” Elko said. “I think as we project forward, I think you're going to see all four of those kids rotate a little bit as we head into this thing.”

In 13 snaps played, Edwards recorded a PFF grade of 74.3, the fifth-highest of all offensive players.

Beyond the numbers, his speed and agility impressed on Saturday night at Kyle Field.

He was patient behind an offensive line finding its footing. He saw the field well, knowing when to moderate speed and then turn on the jets.

Danny Grant, TexAgs

KJ Edwards is listed at 5-foot-10 and 197 pounds.

Even QB1 Marcel Reed liked what he saw.

“We saw Carsyn Baker and KJ Edwards tote the rock a little bit,” Reed said. “They don't stop moving their feet at all. KJ's a big back who has some speed.”

What running back coach Trooper Taylor refers to as “The Stable,” the young talent in that room is hard to deny. With sophomore tailback Tiger Riden Jr. out for the season, there is a clear opportunity for playing time as the nine-game SEC slate will create bumps and bruises along the way.

And if Edwards is inserted in a big-time moment, Saturday’s indication was that he has the tools to make an impact.

Edwards’ stats vs. Missouri State
Carries: 5
Yards: 44
Touchdowns: 0
Average yards per carry: 8.8