It’s no surprise that Texas A&M’s 2024 season expectations are less than clear. First-year head coach Mike Elko isn’t feeling any pressure ahead of his inaugural campaign but knows that the roster is much too talented not to compete as soon as the Aggies hit the field.
For those of us who cover the program, Elko’s impressive offseason moves have dispelled any mainstream notions that a “rebuild” is in the works. A significant part of this optimism stems from the return of redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman , who is finally healthy after missing the final eight games of the 2023 season. His return is a beacon of hope for the team’s future.
Elko’s work in the transfer portal and cementing several key commitments in the 2024 recruiting class has been instrumental. It’s these efforts that make it okay to have higher expectations for the Aggies this season. Notably, one of the weaker groups on the roster, cornerback , has been completely rebuilt through the portal, reassuring the defense’s vast improvement.
SEC Network/ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is much higher on the Aggie’s chances, referencing Elko’s two-year turnaround of Duke’s football program before making his way back to College Station:
“You’re gonna probably laugh at my expectations for Texas A&M, because they are higher than most,” Greg McElroy stated. “I look at their roster and I look at the structure, the way Mike Elko was able to organize Duke and create problems for the opposition the last couple of years. I don’t think this is going to be some rebuild.”
However, any, and I mean any, potential success will be based on A&M’s improvement along the offensive line. New O-line coach Adam Cushing has his work cut out for him after Weigman and former backup quarterback Max Johnson sustained injuries due to poor interior blocking last season.
So, what would define a “successful” season for Mike Elko in Year 1? McElroy is right on point:
“You look at their schedule, it’s a whole heckuva lot more manageable than you might assume,” McElroy stated. “An incredible season would be 10-2. Flirt with an at-large Playoff spot. I think that’s an incredible year for Texas A&M and I think it can be done.”
Texas A&M will open the 2024 season by hosting Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
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