While Texas A&M football's ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of college football and add some hardware to the trophy case this season, the Aggies are taking things one game at a time.
That begins with the season opener against Missouri State at Kyle Field this weekend. The Bears appeared in the Xbox Bowl against Arkansas State in their first campaign at the FBS level, closing 2025 out with a 7-6 overall record. For head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies, this non-conference matchup is about forming chemistry, protecting the quarterback and establishing dominance in the trenches, while also showcasing improvements in consistency and accuracy.
Here are three areas to watch in Texas A&M's first contest of the 2026 season against Missouri State
on Saturday:
Will Marcel Reed showcase his offseason improvement?
One of the biggest talking points of Texas A&M's fall camp has been the development of junior quarterback Marcel Reed. The Nashville, Tennessee, native has faced much criticism this offseason for a couple of inconsistent performances last season, but he hasn't let that halt him from stepping up as a leader and improving his attributes as a passer entering 2026.
Despite a bad game or two, Reed is the only returning gunslinger in the SEC to be ranked top three in passing yards, rushing yards, total yards, passing touchdowns, total touchdowns and QBR. After finishing third in the conference in receiving yards in 2025, Mario Craver returns for his junior season, along with returning up-and-comers like Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman. Elko and company also added Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, giving Reed a slew of talented targets to throw to this year.
If Reed can show that growth by improving his consistency in the big moments, he has the potential to be one of the country's top quarterbacks. It all starts against Missouri State this Saturday night, which ranked 89th in total passing yards allowed last season.
How will Texas A&M's new-look offensive line gel in Game 1?
Mark Nabou Jr. is the lone returning starter from last year's squad, but Elko has some talented transfer pieces with SEC experience who could help the unit gel fast. Transfers Tyree Adams (LSU), Trovon Baugh (South Carolina) and Wilkin Formby (Alabama) are starting at left tackle, right guard and right tackle, respectively, with Blake Ivy returning and starting at left guard.
The new-look group will be tasked with protecting Reed, who is looking to improve his consistency as a passer in his third season with the Aggies. To do so, the big guys up front must form chemistry and establish dominance in the trenches. Texas A&M's season opener will allow the newcomers to settle in and give Reed ample time to survey the field and find his electric targets.
Can Northwestern transfer Anto Saka emerge as the next star edge rusher in College Station?
The former Wildcat made waves during fall camp as one of the most dominant forces on Texas A&M's roster. Saka chose the Aggies over several elite programs, with the two-time Bruce Feldman "Freaks List" nominee slated to start at defensive end for the Maroon and White in 2026.
Anonymous sources dubbed him a "grown man" expected to add another layer to Texas A&M's pass rush. He brings maturity, experience and a knack for getting to the quarterback, all of which are qualities All-American Cashius Howell displayed last year.
Missouri State ranked 135th in FBS with 52.0 sacks allowed in 2025, which should allow Saka to showcase his skills in the season opener.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Missouri State: 3 areas to watch in the season opener
