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Last year, Texas A&M finished 8-5 under second-year head coach Mike Elko, capping the season with a 38-20 win over Utah in the Independence Bowl. The Aggies are now at at 2–0 in 2025 and ranked 16th after opening with victories over UTSA (42-24) and Utah State (44-22), carrying momentum into their matchup with Notre Dame in South Bend. ND handled A&M in College Station last year 23-13 and Elko focused the offseason on adding depth and versatility, especially at skill positions and along the defensive front seven.
Dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed is the centerpiece of A&M’s offense. He threw for 289 yards, 4 TD passes and added 39 rushing yards against UTSA, then followed that with 220 passing yards, 66 rushing yards and four total touchdowns versus Utah State before exiting late with a minor injury. That injury is not expected to limit him this week. Reed has been a dynamic presence on the field for A&M but he has struggled with accuracy on deeper passes.
Wideouts Mario Craver and KC Concepcion have both been productive through two games. Craver has totaled 236 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Concepcion has 145 receiving yards and three touchdowns, including a special teams score. Running backs Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens have combined for 180 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns, giving the Aggies a balanced attack that can keep defenses off-balance.
Defensively, Texas A&M has been aggressive and disruptive. Senior defensive end Cashius Howell had a standout performance against Utah State, recording three sacks on consecutive plays as part of a five-sack effort. The front seven was strong against the run last week, holding Utah State under 80 yards, though UTSA managed over 200 rush yards week one. The Aggies return all their starting linebackers and secondary from last season, so the Irish will have familiarity with the personal they will be facing.
The Irish face a team that can strike both through the air and on the ground. Reed’s dual-threat ability, combined with Craver and Concepcion’s playmaking and the Aggies’ physical running backs, makes A&M dangerous early in the season.
Texas A&M has shown it can compete at a high level, but they have yet to face a challenge like ND will pbring and they are 0-13 in road games against ranked opponents since 2014. A&M will be looking for revenge over the loss ND delivered in College Station last season, but expect ND to be every bit as motivated and improved over where they were at Miami, especially after two weeks of intense practices.
Notre Dame is a 6.5-point favorite and the over/under is 49.5.
The Fighting Irish Preview Pick: Notre Dame 24, Texas A&M 21.