Texas A&M Takes Aim at Top-Ranked Ohio State in 2026 CFP Showdown
Texas A&M has made it to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, and head coach Mike Elko is looking to make a deep run in the 2026 tournament. The Aggies, who lost a large portion of their 2025 roster, have returned 65% of the roster and added 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with a talented 2026 signing class.
The Aggies are looking to build on their successful 2025 season, which saw them surpass expectations and make it to the College Football Playoff. In his second season as head coach, Elko saw a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, further proving his ability to develop players at nearly every position. Redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who threw for 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last fall, has performed well during the first seven preseason practices.
On Thursday, On3's Chris Low released his 2026 CFP prediction, placing Texas A&M as the 11-seed taking on 6-seed Oregon in the first round. This would be the first time both programs have faced each other on the football field, and could be a high-scoring matchup given both teams' offensive strengths. However, like most national analysts, Low isn't high on the Aggies getting past the first round for a second straight season.
The Aggies' offense under new OC Holmon Wiggins should be explosive in the passing game, while Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton brings much-needed size and a go-to red zone target. However, replacing four starters along the offensive line will likely make-or-break the Aggies' chances of returning to the CFP.
Northwestern transfer Edge Anto Saka continues to stand out among the 40-plus newcomers, especially after his first media appearance on Wednesday. Combined with rising sophomore Marco Jones, the loss of Cashius Howell won't be devastating to the Aggies' 2026 pass rush. However, the Aggies will face one of the tougher second-half slates, including road games vs. Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.
Texas A&M will need to rely on their talented offense to carry them through the tough schedule ahead. The Aggies will face some of the toughest teams in the country, including Alabama, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. If they can overcome the challenges ahead, they could make a deep run in the 2026 College Football Playoff.
The Aggies' first test in the CFP will come in the first round against Oregon, and head coach Mike Elko is confident in his team's ability to make a deep run. "Two evenly matched teams, and two teams with elite talent on both sides of the ball, go at it on a rainy night in Eugene," Elko said. The game will be played at Autzen Stadium, and the Aggies will need to bring their A-game to come out on top.
The Aggies will need to stay focused and execute their game plan if they want to make a deep run in the CFP. With a tough schedule ahead, they will need to rely on their talented offense and defense to carry them through. The first round matchup against Oregon will be a test of their mettle, and head coach Mike Elko is confident in his team's ability to come out on top.
The Aggies will face off against Oregon in the first round of the 2026 CFP, and the game will be played at Autzen Stadium. The Aggies will need to bring their A-game to come out on top against the talented Ducks.
Source: Yahoo Sports
