Texas A&M entered the bye week with zero momentum, and plenty of questions remain for a team that looked to capitalize on last season's first appearance in the College Football Playoff but has failed every test, and now sits at 4-4 and 1-4 in the SEC eight weeks through the 2026 season.

It's more than fair to place all the blame on third-year coach Mike Elko, who opted to elevate Holmon Wiggins and Lyle Hemphill as first-year offensive and defensive play-callers, while quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch deserves a ton of blame for starting quarterback Marcel Reed's regression, as the senior signal-caller has thrown for 1,390 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

During last Saturday's 31-20 loss to Alabama, Reed threw two more interceptions, including his first pick-six, and while he played better during the first half, leading to the Aggies' two touchdowns on the day, his second-half performance, outside of one drive, played poorly, and he could not respond to Alabama's two touchdowns.

From my vantage point, it would be beyond foolish for Mike Elko to run it back for a third season with Marcel Reed as the starter, and while he will likely remain the starter for the remaining four regular-season games, by the end of the South Carolina game next Saturday, Elko and his staff should be looking for their next starting QB in the transfer portal.

After a career year, Marcel Reed's regression is honestly shocking and proves how important former star wide receiver KC Concepcion and offensive coordinator/QB coach Collin Klein were to his overall success in 2025. When Reed departs, he'll likely have options in the Big 12 or ACC, based on his play style.

One quarterback to watch right now? Alabama backup QB Austin Mack, whose arm talent, experience, and NFL potential should make him Texas A&M's No. 1 QB option from the transfer portal if he enters.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Is this Marcel Reed's final season with Texas A&M?

Source: Yahoo Sports