Pro Football Focus forecasts Texas A&M's chances to returning to CFP

Texas A&M concluded the 2025 football season with its first appearance in the College Football Playoff, ending the season with an 11-2 record under second-year head coach Mike Elko. Despite a strong start of 11-0, the team faced consecutive defeats against Texas and Miami in the playoffs. The program aims for improved results, especially from an NIL perspective, after losing multiple players to the 2026 NFL Draft.

To strengthen the team, Texas A&M acquired 17 players from the transfer portal, including standout Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton and Northwestern edge rusher Anto Saka. With returning players such as quarterback Marcel Reed and wide receiver Mario Craver, the Aggies face challenges, particularly after losing five offensive linemen and several starters on defense. The team's prospects for returning to the CFP are uncertain, with Pro Football Focus rating their chances as "medium."

Key factors include the development of Marcel Reed under new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins and quarterback coach Joey Lynch.