Grading Texas A&M football at the midpoint of the 2026 season

Texas A&M has officially reached the midpoint of its regular-season schedule, and the first six games have created far more questions than answers.

The Aggies are 3-3 overall and 1-3 in SEC play after Saturday’s 27-6 loss at Missouri. Their victories came against Missouri State, Arizona State and Arkansas, while Kentucky, LSU and Missouri exposed many of the concerns that surrounded the team entering the season.

A&M has averaged 27.5 points, but that number is inflated by scoring 98 points during its first two games. The Aggies have averaged only 16.8 points through four SEC games and failed to score a touchdown against LSU and Missouri.

There is still time for Texas A&M to turn the season around, but a College Football Playoff return is no longer a realistic expectation. Here is how each position group grades through six games.

Quarterback: D

Marcel Reed has not made the jump Texas A&M needed from its experienced quarterback. He has completed 55.3% of his passes for 1,095 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions.

Reed played well against Missouri State and Arizona State, but his accuracy and decision-making have fallen apart against better competition. He threw two interceptions against Kentucky and Missouri and completed only 10 passes in the loss to LSU.

The offensive line has not always helped him, but Reed has also missed open receivers and held onto the ball too long. His performance against Arkansas showed the offense can succeed when he plays under control. The problem has been making that happen consistently.

Running backs: C+

The backfield has produced mixed results. Rueben Owens II leads the Aggies with 304 rushing yards, while KJ Edwards has provided more explosiveness by averaging nearly six yards per carry.

Injuries and inconsistent blocking have made it difficult to establish a steady rotation. The group showed its potential by helping A&M rush for 231 yards against Arkansas, then managed only 47 yards before sack yardage against Missouri.

There is talent here, but offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins has not consistently put the backs in position to carry the offense.

Wide receivers and tight ends: C+

Isaiah Horton leads A&M with 270 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Mario Craver has caught a team-high 24 passes for 241 yards and two scores.

Both have produced strong individual moments, but the passing game has not consistently created explosive plays. Injuries to Terry Bussey and others have reduced the depth around them.

The tight ends have been involved as blockers but have not provided much production as receivers. Houston Thomas leads the position with nine catches for 52 yards.

Offensive line: C-

The offensive line has not been as bad as some of the criticism suggests, but it has not been consistent enough either.

A&M has allowed 11 sacks, and the running game has averaged 3.9 yards per carry. The group performed well against Arkansas before taking a significant step backward at Missouri.

Injuries and movement between positions have prevented the Aggies from settling on one combination. There have been encouraging stretches, but not enough of them against SEC opponents.

Defensive line: D+

This was expected to be one of Texas A&M’s biggest strengths. Instead, the Aggies have recorded only five sacks through six games, one of the lowest totals in the SEC.

Marco Jones has handled a significant role on the edge alongside players such as TJ Searcy and Anto Saka, but the group has not consistently affected opposing quarterbacks. The lack of pressure has made life harder for the secondary, while the run defense has also been inconsistent.

Missouri’s Jamal Roberts rushed for 222 yards, and Kentucky generated several explosive runs. There are talented players throughout the rotation, but the production has not matched the expectations.

Linebackers: C+

Noah Mikhail has emerged as one of the defense’s most consistent players, while Daymion Sanford has provided experience and created one of A&M’s few highlights against Missouri with an interception on the opening drive.

The group has shown athleticism but has struggled at times with run fits, pursuit angles and containing plays toward the edge. Injuries have also affected the rotation, including the loss of promising freshman Tamarion Watkins.

There are enough positive signs to believe this group can improve during the second half, but it must become more consistent against the run.

Secondary: C-

The secondary has recorded three of Texas A&M’s five interceptions through six games. Julio Humphrey returned one for a touchdown against Arizona State, while Marcus Ratcliffe intercepted LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt and Dalton Brooks ended Arkansas’ opening possession with another takeaway.

The secondary has made some timely plays, but its coverage breakdowns against SEC opponents have been costly.

Kentucky repeatedly generated chunk plays, and LSU receivers Jackson Harris and Winston Watkins Jr. combined for 270 yards. Missouri did not put up huge passing numbers, but Cayden Lee still got loose for a 32-yard touchdown.

A&M has experienced players throughout the secondary. That makes the number of communication mistakes and uncovered receivers even more frustrating.

Special teams: A

David Olano and Tyler White have been two of Texas A&M’s best players.

Olano has made all nine of his field-goal attempts and all 19 extra points. White is averaging more than 50 yards per punt and has repeatedly helped the defense with field position.

The return game has been less productive since Bussey’s injury, but the kicking and punting units have done everything asked of them.

Coaching: D

Mike Elko has taken responsibility for the Aggies’ struggles, but the coaching staff has not found enough answers.

The decision to enter a critical season with first-time play callers on both sides of the ball was always a risk. Wiggins has struggled to establish an offensive identity, while the defense has failed to consistently generate pressure or prevent explosive plays.

A&M looked prepared against Arkansas, but that performance now feels more like an exception after another poor road showing. The staff has six games remaining to prove it can make meaningful adjustments.

Overall grade: D+

Texas A&M entered the season with College Football Playoff expectations and reached the midpoint at .500. That alone makes it difficult to give the Aggies anything higher.

The Citadel should give A&M an opportunity to reset before the schedule becomes difficult again. The Aggies still have enough talent to finish with a respectable record, but the first half showed that talent has not translated into a consistent football team.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Grading Texas A&M football at the midpoint of the 2026 season