Texas A&M is 2-2 and 0-2 in SEC play, and currently playing like one of the worst teams in the conference after falling to LSU 35-6 last Saturday night, as starting quarterback Marcel Reed threw for a career-low 106 yards and zero touchdowns, all while looking like a freshman making his first start with zero experience, which, of course, wasn't the case.
After passing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season, Marcel Reed has somehow regressed; while first-year offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins has been the popular name to blame, receivers have been open, and Reed has failed to execute the game plan.
Failing to complete high-percentage throws, which wasn't an issue last season, Texas A&M is ranked dead last in explosive
plays of 20 or more yards, which isn't surprising when the easy completions are working. This isn't due to a lack of talent, as junior wide receiver Mario Craver is one of the top receiving threats in college football, and redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman broke out last season.
While fans are clamoring for a change, Marcel Reed remains the best option, and after third-year coach Mike Elko defended his quarterback for the second time on Monday, Alabama transfer offensive lineman Wilkin Formby followed suit during Tuesday's press conference.
“I have a lot of belief in Marcel. He's one of the hardest workers on the team, and I know he has a lot of pressure just as every SEC or high level quarterback has, but I got the utmost respect and belief for Marcel, and I know that he can do what he needs to do. We just got to give him the time to go play at a high level and just keep helping to breed his conference every day in practice and in the next games to come.”
Now, while I fully understand Formby's point that Reed has the skill set to improve given his high-level play and decision-making early in the 2025 season, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is on for Reed to play his best football now, starting with beating Arkansas on Saturday night.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M OL still has 'a lot of belief' in QB Marcel Reed
