Aggies Eye Rebound in 2025 with New QB and Elite Recruiting Class
College Station, TX — After a turbulent 2024 season that saw the Texas A&M Aggies finish below expectations and out of major bowl contention, there is a renewed sense of optimism in College Station. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Mike Elko, the Aggies are charting a new course, driven by key roster additions, a top-10 recruiting class, and a laser-sharp focus on accountability and performance.
A Fresh Start at Quarterback: Jacob Zeno Brings Leadership and Poise
One of the most significant offseason moves came when former UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno announced his transfer to Texas A&M. Zeno, who passed for over 3,000 yards with 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions during his senior season at UAB, arrives with a reputation as a confident leader and intelligent game manager.
He’s expected to compete for the starting job alongside redshirt freshman Marcel Reed, who showed flashes of promise late last season. Elko has praised Zeno’s maturity and football IQ, calling him a “calming presence” in the locker room.
“Jacob has the experience we need,” said Elko during spring practice. “He’s been in big games, he’s made tough decisions under pressure, and he knows how to lead an offense.”
Zeno’s ability to extend plays with his legs adds another dimension to an Aggie offense that often struggled with consistency in 2024. His arrival also brings much-needed stability to the quarterback room, which saw a carousel of starters last year due to injuries and inconsistency.
Elite Recruiting Class Signals a Promising Future
The Aggies’ hopes for 2025 don’t rest solely on Zeno’s shoulders. Texas A&M secured the No. 6-ranked recruiting class in the nation, according to 247Sports, featuring two five-star players and 18 four-stars. Standouts include:
Lamont Rogers, a dominant offensive tackle who flipped his commitment from USC, bringing both size and athleticism to the line.
Jerome Myles, an explosive wide receiver expected to contribute immediately in the passing game.
Chaz Jordan, a four-star edge rusher with elite quickness and motor, seen as a long-term replacement for 2025 NFL draftee Shemar Stewart.
“These guys aren’t just future stars—they’re ready to compete now,” said recruiting coordinator Elijah Robinson. “They’re bought into what we’re building.”
Cultural Shift Under Elko’s Leadership
Entering his second year as head coach, Mike Elko is making it clear that the 2025 season represents a clean slate. After a rocky transition year, Elko has implemented structural changes across the board—from strength and conditioning to locker room culture.
“We learned a lot about ourselves last season,” Elko said. “We had to figure out who we were, and now we’re focused on who we want to become.”
Part of that transformation includes a more aggressive and physical identity on both sides of the ball. Elko has brought in a new defensive coordinator, Jay Bateman, to reshape a unit that struggled to contain high-powered SEC offenses last fall. Early reports from spring scrimmages suggest a faster, more disciplined defense is emerging.
Schedule Highlights and Rivalry Renewed
The Aggies’ 2025 schedule is as challenging as it is exciting. Marquee matchups include road games at LSU and Alabama, as well as a home game against Georgia. But the most anticipated game of the year is the renewal of the Lone Star Showdown: Texas A&M will face off against the Texas Longhorns in Austin the day after Thanksgiving.
The storied rivalry, dormant since 2011, returns now that both programs are part of the SEC, and it’s already being hyped as one of the must-watch games of the college football season.
“We all grew up watching that rivalry,” said senior linebacker Bryce Anderson. “It’s more than just a game—it’s about pride, history, and making a statement.”
A Season of Opportunity
With a more stable roster, elite incoming talent, and a full offseason under Coach Elko’s system, Texas A&M enters the 2025 season with cautious but genuine optimism. After the frustrations of 2024, the Aggies are hungry for redemption.
“This team has something to prove,” said Zeno. “We’re not satisfied with what happened last year. We’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much. Now it’s time to show the country who we really are.”
The Aggies will kick off their 2025 campaign at Kyle Field in early September, where fans are expected to pack the stands and rally behind what they hope will be a turning point in the program’s journey back to national prominence.
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