CFB Select picks Texas A&M as 1-of-12 teams that could achieve its first CFP berth in 2025

Among the dozen, the Aggies have been the closest to reaching the College Football Playoff, finishing right on the outside in 2020 at No. 5.

The Texas A&M football team has been on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff since its inception.

However, in the second season with head coach Mike Elko at the helm, the Aggies may be bound for a breakthrough season in 2025.

CFB Select recently chose Texas A&M as 1-of-12 teams that could make its first CFP appearance next season. The Aggies were joined by: Auburn, BYU, Colorado, Florida, Louisville, Miami, Marshall, South Carolina, Texas State, UNLV and Utah.

Among the dozen, Texas A&M has been the closest to reaching the postseason. Led by former coach Jimbo Fisher, the Aggies finished right on the outside looking in at No. 5 in 2020.

Florida and Utah have each finished in the top 12 three times. The Gators were No. 10 in 2018, No. 9 in 2019 and No. 7 in 2020. The Utes were No. 11 in 2019, No. 11 in 2021 and No. 8 in 2022.

Auburn ranked No. 7 in 2017 and No. 12 in 2019. Colorado and Miami were ranked No. 10 in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Texas A&M kicks off a new campaign Aug. 30 versus UTSA at Kyle Field.

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2026 4-star safety out of Houston (TX) places Texas A&M in his Top 10 program list

Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class is looking to land one of the top safety prospects in the cycle

Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class will continue to grow in the coming months. Coach Mike Elko and his staff have been hard at work, traveling throughout the country to visit prospects and strengthen relationships before the spring football season begins.

Focusing on the state of Texas, the Aggies will continue to battle their in-state rivals, the Texas Longhorns, for every top prospect, but thanks to Elko’s embrace of every high school coach in the Houston (TX) area, Texas A&M is now a finalist for 2026 four-star safety Chace Calicut out of the prestigious North Shore program.

While Calicut is visiting the Longhorns this weekend for the program’s annual junior day, the Aggies made the incoming senior’s top 10 program list, joining Texas, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU.

After visiting College Station earlier this month, Calicut confirmed that he will take an official visit to Texas A&M soon, along with OVs to LSU, Michigan, and Oregon.

According to 247Sports, Chace Calicut is currently positioned as the 203rd-ranked prospect in the 2026 cycle, the 15th-ranked safety, and the 31st-ranked prospect in Texas.

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Former Texas A&M tight end Jalen Wydermyer signs with Michigan Panthers in UFL

Former Aggies tight end Jalen Wydermyer is making a comeback and found his new home on the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League.

Former Texas A&M tight end Jalen Wydermyer is making a comeback and has found his new home on the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League.

Wydermyer officially signed with the UFL on Tuesday. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end played in College Station from 2019 to 2021, where he was a three-time All-SEC second-team selection each season.

After departing from the Aggies, Wydermyer went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has spent time as a member of three NFL organizations: Buffalo, New England and Indianapolis.

Wydermyer’s first stop with the Bills lasted three months during the offseason. He then signed with another AFC squad, where he was released upon roster cuts to 53.

Wydermyer was a member of the Patriots practice squad for a month before being cut. His last stop in the NFL came on the Colts practice squad, where he remained for the rest of the 2022 season.

Aggies Wire wishes Jalen the best of luck as he returns to the gridiron.

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Texas A&M TE Shane Calhoun has announced his future plans

Texas A&M’s tight end rotation will look much different in 2025

After one season with Texas A&M, former East Carolina tight end Shane Calhoun entered the program with high hopes to reignite his playmaking ability. However, due to the scheme change under OC Collin Klein, the Florida native became a full-time blocker and special teams contributor.

Throughout the season, Calhoun participated in every game, gathering extensive footage to benefit his future playing career. As a graduate transfer, he has declared for the 20225 NFL Draft, aiming to secure a spot on a professional roster within the next seven months.

While most tight ends don’t thrive as dependable receiving threats, Calhoun can find space and make plays. Still, after recording just three receptions for 57 yards, NFL teams see him as an inline blocker with some receiving ability, as his 6-3, 250-pound frame is ready-made for run-heavy offenses.

Congratulations to Calhoun on his decision.

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Texas A&M TE Donovan Green has announced his transfer destination

Texas A&M tight end Donovan Green is headed to LSU after three seasons with the Aggies

Texas A&M’s historic 2022 recruiting class continues to dwindle. Only six of the 32 commits in the cycle remain in the program after tight end Donovan Green and wide receiver Noah Thomas entered the portal over the last two weeks.

Thomas, who committed to Georgia late last week, is the first former Aggie starter to find a new home for the 2025 season. On Saturday afternoon, Donovan Green announced his new transfer destination after three seasons with the Aggies.

After visiting LSU last week, Green committed to the Tigers, but on paper, this move does not guarantee that he will see the field based on the returning tight ends on the 2025 roster, outside of starter Mason Taylor, who declared for the NFL Draft.

Despite recovering from his ACL tear after the 2023 season, Green struggled to ascend the depth chart in coach Mike Elko’s first year with the program. He participated in seven games and primarily contributed on special teams without receptions.

Green’s playmaking ability was seen throughout his 2022 freshman season. The former four-star prospect looked like a perfect fit in Jimbo Fisher’s offense after recording 22 receptions, 233 yards, and two touchdowns. If he can regain his footing again, I wouldn’t be surprised if he regains his playmaking ways.

While it’s been a while since he’s seen consistent live-action, Green should be fresh and ready to go in 2025.

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Texas A&M legend honored as Florida Gov. Ron Desantis declares Jan. 10 as ‘Mike Evans Day’

“We recognize his commitment to helping others and giving back to the Tampa Bay community throughout his 11 seasons with the Buccaneers.”

Superstar wide receiver Mike Evans established himself as a Texas A&M legend during his time in College Station and has continued to build upon that legacy throughout his professional career in Tampa Bay.

After surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive regular season, Evans was recognized with an incredible honor from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis yesterday.

“Today, Florida celebrates Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Bucs for his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in football, making countless memories for fans across the Sunshine State and the entire country,” DeSantis stated via X. “We also recognize his commitment to helping others and giving back to the Tampa Bay community throughout his eleven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“This January 10th is officially Mike Evans Day in Florida!”

Last Sunday, Evans tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in league history to accomplish the feat. The Buccaneers host the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs on Sunday night at 7 p.m. CT.

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Former Texas A&M commit Anthony Hill discusses playing at ‘crazy’ Kyle Field for Longhorns

“Playing at Kyle Field was crazy. I can’t lie, the atmosphere was jumping. It was really cool to play in that stadium. It was fun,” he said.

Texas sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. spoke to the media yesterday prior to playing in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Hill, a former Texas A&M commit, reflected on his choice to sign with the Longhorns and what it was like playing in the stadium that he initially thought would become his home.

“Do I have to say anything? I mean, I feel like I made the right decision. Look where I’m at,” Hill proclaimed. “Decommitting, I want to leave that in the past.”

“Playing at Kyle Field was crazy. I can’t lie, the atmosphere was jumping. It was really cool to play in that stadium, of course after decommitting from there. It was fun.”

When he flipped to Texas, the Aggies set their sights on sophomore linebacker Taurean York, who Hill was complimentary of Thursday.

“He was playing fast,” Hill said of York. “It was pretty cool playing in the SEC and seeing him play that fast. He was playing really fast. And, his freshman year, he did a good job. He was running the show. So, it’s pretty cool seeing him play, since I’ve been knowing him since my sophomore year (of high school).”

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Texas A&M should pursue NC State transfer defensive back

Texas A&M should contact NC State defensive back Tamarcus Cooley, who just entered the transfer portal

Texas A&M’s transfer portal haul reached 11 commitments on Thursday night after former Iowa State defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim signed with the Aggies, filling another big hole on the roster.

However, former NC State wide receiver KC Concepcion still looks like the most significant acquisition. On Thursday, Concepcion’s Wolfpack teammate, freshman cornerback Tamarcus Cooley, entered the transfer portal with three years remaining eligibility.

Cooley is likely looking to move to a more significant program despite the Wolpack’s recent success. With the departure of Aggie cornerback BJ Mayes, who has entered the NFL Draft, coach Mike Elko should contact the talented defensive back sooner rather than later.

According to Pro Football Focus, Cooley was NC State’s second-highest-rated defender and highest-ranked defensive back, earning an 80.8 defensive grade, 67.7 coverage grade, and 83.7 run defense grade.

During the 2024 season, Cooley recorded 39 tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and six pass deflections. Cooley’s talent is undeniable, and the Aggies are still one or two cornerbacks away from feeling more than good heading into the spring football season.

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‘that SEC podcast’ compares Texas A&M coach Mike Elko to a poor magician after loss to USC

“Elko is like that guy that has got that magic trick, but he’s done it so many times you kinda catch on to what he’s doing.”

After the Texas A&M football team lost a 17-point lead in the Las Vegas Bowl against USC, everyone had something to say about head coach Mike Elko, including the hosts of ‘that SEC podcast.’

“I thought one thing about Elko coming over here was we would have that tough, tenacious defense again, which we did up front. They did create mistakes, they had three picks in this game. It’s like if they didn’t get those, what would’ve happened? This could’ve been a blowout,” Cousin Shane said. “It was a close game and came down to the wire.”

“Elko is like that guy that has got that magic trick, but he’s done it so many times you kinda catch on to what he’s doing.”

The program’s other host tried to spin it forward in a positive manner, but that didn’t last long.

“They’re adding all these guys in the portal, they’re bringing back the quarterback, maybe five starting offensive linemen. They need the running backs to be healthy and could have a really dynamic offense,” Michael Bratton foretold. “I’m tired of it, i’m not doing it anymore, I’m not hyping them up if they win a damn game. They fooled us this year, 7-1, we have the coach of the year here. Biggest dud coach of the year.

“Watch Conner Weigman become a Heisman winner at Houston, how awful would that be?”

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Future NFL Hall-of Famer Mike Evans shows no signs of slowing down

Mike Evans reaches double-digit touchdowns for the sixth time in NFL history, placing him among the all-time greats

This might sound like a broken record, but Texas A&M star Mike Evans has joined another elite group of wide receivers after this big game against the Carolina Panthers.

On Sunday, Evans helped guide the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a critical win, putting them in a prime position to win the NFC South in Week 17. He made it look easy by snagging eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout 48-14 victory.

Evans is one of the most consistent wide receivers in NFL history, only sitting behind Jerry Rice in several categories, including the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards. He is sitting 85 yards short for his 11th straight season to hit the century mark. However, this is not about the number of yards but the number of touchdowns he’s hauled in.

Earlier this year, he achieved the milestone of 100 career receiving touchdowns, and with his two against the Panthers, he became the seventh player in NFL history to record six seasons with 10 or more touchdowns each season.

At this point, there is no way Evans will not make it into the NFL Hall of Fame once he decides to hang up the cleats. Even though he is 11 seasons in, he still looks to be in his prime and can handle a few more years at the top level.

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