Luke White, Sports Editor

@lukewhite03

Prediction: 8-4

Several years ago, most Aggies would sigh at the thought of another 8-4 season, a result that felt all too commonplace over the past decade. Good, but not great.

Nowadays, an eight-win campaign would be happily received by the 12th Man. After two seasons of middling mediocrity, it would represent a step in the right direction under new coach Mike Elko.

Texas A&M certainly has the talent to shoot for the stars this year, but it’s easier said than done. An 8-4 performance could see the Aggies take down quality opponents at Kyle Field while winning multiple road games for the first time since 2021.

Braxton Dore’, Sports Editor

@braxtond1088

Prediction: 9-3

With arguably one of the weakest schedules in the SEC, A&M might surprise fans this year, possibly winning nine games for the first time since 2020. The hardest matchups for the Aggies will, fortunately, be under the bright lights of Kyle Field. 

With the helm of the 12th Man behind the team, I believe that games against Texas, Missouri and Notre Dame are very winnable — barring any unforeseen injuries, of course. 

Additions to the defensive line such as transfer Nic Scourton, as well as the return of Elko after his stint as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator, will bolster one of the best defensive fronts in the SEC.

Matthew Seaver, Sports Editor 

@Matthew_Seaver

Prediction: 8-4

After forecasting four of the Aggies’ five losses last year, I like to believe my pessimistic outlook gives me an advantage when predicting their season. A&M has a very easy schedule by SEC standards, and finds all four of its hardest games at home. Too bad this is not EA Sports College Football 25, and stadium pulse can only do so much in real life.

This team begins the year with tons of momentum under  Elko. While I believe the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are severely overanked, I simply think they execute better than the Aggies. Then, I expect A&M to spoil my birthday and lose to the Missouri Tigers because junior wide receiver Luther Burden III is what Evan Stewart was supposed to be.

Then, I have the Aggies dropping another close matchup with the LSU Tigers, as they are simply more talented than A&M. Then, the final loss of the season is to the team from Austin I refuse to acknowledge or even think about. I’ve dreamed about beating the team in burnt orange for over a decade — even considering losing to those Longhorns is heartbreaking.

I think it’s a great building block year for Elko’s program and A&M is definitely moving in the right direction. The Aggies most likely miss out on the playoff but might be able to sneak in depending on how the cards fall with the new 12-team format.

Mathias Cubillan, Sports Writer 

@mathiascubillan

Prediction: 8-4

It’s simple and maybe unfair to say, but A&M’s season goes as sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman goes. In an admittedly small sample size in 2023, Weigman showed that he gives the Aggies a floor of competitive play. If Weigman can prove that he elevates the milquetoast collection of skill players around him, A&M will be a tough out in the SEC. 

On the other side of the ball, Elko’s front seven should be a nightmare for opposing offenses. With a favorable schedule and a defense that will allow the Aggies to hang around in any game, Weigman should be able to lead a successful A&M season.

Shalina Sabih, Sports and Life and Arts Writer 

@shalina__s

Prediction: 7-5

Ever since the SEC ruled that the Texas Longhorns’ opponents won’t be penalized for throwing the “Horns Down” symbol, I’ve been very excited about the A&M vs. UT rivalry, and it’s truly because the Aggies have home field advantage. 

Under Elko, known for his defensive expertise, A&M’s defense is expected to be a strong suit. If Elko can bring out the best in this team, especially on the defensive side, it will be a significant step up from the overpaid and underperforming tenure of former coach Jimbo Fisher. As long as Elko coaches with the intensity and strategic acumen he’s known for, Aggie fans will have plenty to be excited about this season. 

Offensively, the Aggies may lean more on their passing game to offset the loss of sophomore running back Rueben Owens. This could open up opportunities for other quarterbacks and receivers to step up as well. With Owens sidelined due to a lower body injury, junior RB Amari Daniels will likely take on an even larger role. Daniels has proven his ability to consistently move the chains, averaging 5.1 yards per carry last season. 

With that being said, Aggie football will win against McNeese, Bowling Green, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi State, New Mexico State and Texas. I predict it will lose against Notre Dame, Florida, LSU, South Carolina and Auburn. A&M has the potential to secure a spot in the SEC championship game, and specific performances will be a key factor in the LSU and Texas games.

Ian Curtis, Features Editor

@Texiancurtis

Prediction: 7-5

As encouraged as I am by just about everything Elko has done since taking over as A&M’s head coach, this is still year one of a new regime. It’s not a complete rebuild — the Aggies return plenty of talent, including Weigman, to complement a host of transfers — but with the margins as slim as ever in a new-look SEC, there’s still an adjustment period.  

Rationally, I think this team goes 8-4. My “Battered Aggie Syndrome” means I must lower my prediction by one game out of sheer BAS-induced pessimism. I have full confidence that Elko’s tenure in Aggieland will be plenty successful, but I wouldn’t expect a playoff berth in year one (although I would love to be wrong). 

If the Aggies do beat my admittedly conservative prediction — and I hope that they will — they’ll have their defensive line to thank. Regardless of A&M’s win total, that unit led by junior returner Shemar Stewart and transfer (and Bryan native!) Nic Scourton will play a major role in multiple close victories this season. 

DJ Burton, Sports Writer

@deejburt

Prediction: 9-3

Coach Elko and Co. have brought a new fire to Aggieland before even playing a game. The question Aggie fans have on their minds now is how long the fuel will last. 

The Aggies will start hot with a week one victory against No. 7 Notre Dame, who is led by Elko’s former Duke QB, senior Riley Leonard. A win here sets the tone for the start of the season, and the Aggies jump out to a 5-0 start. 

The Maroon and White will drop three games this season: Missouri and LSU at home, and South Carolina on the road. 

Avoiding the injury bug, which has not seemed possible the past couple of seasons, will be crucial for the Aggies in securing a victory over Texas in A&M’s biggest game of the season, pushing them into the playoff conversation and shattering expectations in Elko’s first year. 

Chris Swann, Photo Chief

@chrissswannphoto

Prediction: 8-4

For some reason, the sports desk let me have a take. Take these lightly, coming from a photo dude.

The Aggies feel like one of the biggest question marks in all of college football. This is a completely different team under Elko and his staff, so making a prediction is always difficult.

I don’t know if I buy the SEC “sleeper” predictions I see on social media. However, I think the Aggies have the potential to outperform expectations, with the most difficult matchups being at home. That is, if Weigman stays healthy. If he’s injured, “Battered Aggie Syndrome” will continue.