Aggies Kick Off 2026: Can They Replicate Last Season's Magic?

Texas A&M, ranked eighth, kicks off its 2026 football season on Saturday night against Missouri State. This opening game follows an impressive 11-win season in 2025, which included the program's first College Football Playoff appearance. Head coach Mike Elko enters his third year with a roster poised for national contention, with the primary focus on execution.

Quarterback Marcel Reed is set for his second full season as starter, having thrown for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025, adding six rushing scores. He will connect with receiver Mario Craver, who had a 917-yard receiving season. A major late-week development is the potential return of linebacker Daymion Sanford, who underwent surgery for a fibula injury in the spring. Sanford recorded 57 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss last season, and his presence would be a significant boost.

The Aggies will be without running back Tiger Riden Jr. and defensive tackle Chace Simshave for the entire season due to injuries sustained during preseason preparation. David Olano, an Illinois transfer, has secured the field goal kicking job. Missouri State, led by first-year head coach Casey Woods, presents a mystery with quarterback Skyler Locklear's dual-threat ability.

This game marks the first-ever meeting between Texas A&M and Missouri State. The Bears are in just their second season at the FBS level, having moved up prior to the 2025 season. Texas A&M has a strong record in home openers, winning 23 of their last 26. The question remains whether the Aggies will perform like the top-10 team they are expected to be.