Staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. No. 8 Tennessee in Week 11

Texas A&M enters Week 11 on a two-game losing streak after falling to South Carolina 17-9 on the road, despite improved play, including starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who wasn't the primary reason A&M couldn't secure both victories.

Holding late leads in both losses, first-year OC Holmon Wiggins will reportedly retain his position for the remainder of the season, while Marcel Reed will start the remaining three games. Fans may be less than thrilled that Wiggins will keep calling plays, but Marcel Reed is honestly the best option if the Aggies have any shot at winning two more games to reach bowl-game eligibility.

On Saturday, Texas A&M will host No. 8 Tennessee, facing one of the more physical rushing attacks, led by star running back DeSean Bishop, while the Volunteers' pass rush has produced 39 sacks in nine games and will look to disrupt Marcel Reed throughout the afternoon.

Texas A&M's defense should keep giving the Aggie offense enough chances to keep the game close in the first half, while Marcel Reed must get the ball out quickly, with running backs Rueben Owens and KJ Edwards splitting reps to balance speed and power.

The Aggies have not scored a touchdown three times in SEC play, which is embarrassing and quite telling, but that can change with a much better effort from the offensive line and more creative play calling from Holmon Wiggins.

Ahead of Saturday's Week 11 matchup, here are the final Aggies Wire staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. Tennessee

Cameron Ohnysty — Lead Writer

On paper, I expect a close, ugly, low-scoring game or a blowout for the visitors after Tennessee thrashed Kentucky 34-6 in Week 10. However, Texas A&M's offense found an early rhythm against South Carolina and Alabama, and Marcel Reed looked much more comfortable; without transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton's three drops, the Aggies could easily be 5-4.

Still, Texas A&M's defense will be tested on the ground, needing to stop running back DeSean Bishop from ruining the game; if Bishop is contained, Tennessee's passing attack, ranked 120th nationally, shouldn't be an issue for the Aggies' secondary.

Texas A&M's offense can't be trusted over the next three games, facing three of the best defenses the SEC has to offer, and unless the Volunteers' pass rush takes a game off, 39 sacks in nine games is as daunting as it gets and will disrupt Marcel Reed and likely be the reason the Aggies are kept out of the end zone once again.

Prediction: Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 13

Dylan Flippo — Contributor

Texas A&M is completely outmatched against No. 8 Tennessee, which is coming off one of their most impressive wins of the 2026 season, a 34-6 throttling of then-ranked No. 6 Kentucky. Meanwhile, the Aggies are coming off their fifth conference loss, in a disappointing 17-9 effort against No. 21 South Carolina.

The offensive struggles continued against the Gamecocks, as the Aggies’ performance marked the first time since 1995 that the program has recorded 450+ yards, but scored fewer than 10 points in a game. Kicker David Olano is averaging more than double the points that Texas A&M’s offense has scored against ranked opponents this season.

The key to winning this game is to establish dominance on the ground, which seems to be the only potential weak spot of this ferocious Tennessee defense. The Vols’ secondary ranks No. 2 in the SEC in yards allowed per game, which will provide another massive test for junior quarterback Marcel Reed, coming off one of arguably his best performances of the year.

The margin of error for the Aggies is non-existent against the Vols, who continue to carve their path to the College Football Playoff.

Prediction: Tennessee 34, Texas A&M 10

Jarrett Johnson — Contributor

Texas A&M faces another significant challenge after struggling offensively against South Carolina. The Aggies managed just nine points in their latest defeat, and their inability to finish drives remains a major concern.

Tennessee brings a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback George MacIntyre and running back DeSean Bishop, who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season. The Volunteers also feature a defense capable of creating turnovers and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

For Texas A&M, establishing the running game with KJ Edwards and Rueben Owens II will be critical. Marcel Reed must also protect the football and create opportunities through the air. Kyle Field should provide a more favorable environment, but Tennessee's rushing attack gives the Volunteers an advantage.

I expect Texas A&M to play with more urgency at home, but the Aggies must show significant offensive improvement to defeat a Top 10 opponent.

Prediction: Tennessee 24, Texas A&M 20

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Staff predictions for Texas A&M vs. No. 8 Tennessee in Week 11