While Texas A&M has displayed some growing pains through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, the Aggies are seeking improvements and consistency moving into SEC play this weekend.
The program welcomes the Kentucky Wildcats to Bryan-College Station for the first time since 2018, when Texas A&M pulled out a thrilling 20-14 win in overtime. First-year head coach Will Stein is coming off his first loss at the helm in Lexington, after the Wildcats dropped their first league contest of the year to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Mike Elko's squad handled business against Arizona State, but not without some qualms. The offensive line struggled to find its rhythm, and the Aggie secondary allowed 254 passing yards and two touchdowns to the Sun Devils and transfer
quarterback Cutter Boley. Texas A&M went through three quarters of a back-and-forth battle with head coach Kenny Dillingham and company before shutting their offense down with two massive pick-sixes from Marco Jones and Julio Humphrey.
With the approaching opening contest of league play, the Aggies must be on the same page and focus on staying consistent and playing their brand of football moving forward. It will take veterans like Dezz Ricks and T.J. Searcy, both of whom spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of this Saturday's showdown against the Wildcats.
Here is what Searcy and Ricks said ahead of Texas A&M's conference opener against Kentucky on Saturday:
Searcy on facing Coach Bateman and what he learned from the former Aggie coordinator
"Coach Bateman taught me a lot since I came into college. My freshman year at Florida he taught me a lot about defense and scheme," Searcy said. "It'll be fun to see him again for sure."
Searcy on Texas A&M changing defensive terminology after losing Bateman
"It's definitely not the exact same. We've changed pretty much all of our terminology," Searcy said.
Searcy on what it means to hear coaches give him his flowers
"It feels good to know that my coach sees the work that I'm putting in, but I don't focus on the outside noise too much," Searcy said.
Searcy on the massive pick-six Jones reeled in for the Aggies against Arizona State
"I remember Marco running fast, too fast. I wasn't going to try and catch him at first. It was good to see Marco make a play. We really needed that," Searcy said.
Searcy discusses the impact of Texas A&M's defensive depth
"It's pretty much, when you get on the field, give everything you got. You know as soon as you get a little bit tired, there's somebody else who is fresh who can come in and take you right out," Searcy said. "Having that depth allows you to play as hard as you can every snap because you know there will be a dude in there regardless."
Ricks on what the defensive unit has been fixing entering Week 3
"It's more so communication things. First couple of games, not having too much film on other teams as well, so they're throwing stuff at us that we haven't seen in practice," Ricks said.
Ricks explains how the defense has been getting on the same page and improving their communication
"I think we definitely communicate better as a whole this year, rather than just having one voice. It's made everyone have to step up, learn their stuff more. I think it's helping us," Ricks said.
Ricks on the steps he has taken as a player compared to last year
"I think I took another step mentally, understanding the game. I've been doing a lot more film study then what I usually do, so it's been able to make me play faster," Ricks said.
Ricks on facing Coach Bateman on Saturday
"I'm definitely looking forward to playing them. I have nothing bad to say about Coach Bateman. I've known him since I was in eighth grade. (He) recruited me for a long time. Definitely looking forward to the matchup," Ricks said.
Ricks on the talent on defense adjusting to changes and improving each week
"You have players that are bought into what Coach Elko is preaching. Year three in the program, a lot of guys that have been in the program. It's easy to just have everyone buy in," Ricks said.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'Give everything you got': Texas A&M EDGE, DB talk mindset entering SEC play
