Reed Praised for Growth, O-Line Rebuilt as A&M Preps for 2026 Opener

Texas A&M enters the 2026 season with redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed drawing strong reviews from local beat writers and team sources after three weeks of preseason practice. An anonymous source told On3 insider Pete Nakos that Reed has taken a clear developmental step, pointing specifically to his accuracy, touch, and pocket presence as areas of notable improvement.

Marcel is more accurate, has more of a presence and has another year of playing football for Mike Elko.

— Anonymous source, per On3

Reed will operate behind a heavily rebuilt offensive line featuring four new starters, all reportedly acquired through the transfer portal. Sophomore edge Marco Jones, who faced the new unit throughout fall camp, offered an endorsement on Thursday, saying the group has demonstrated the consistency and reliability coaches need heading into the SEC schedule.

Our O-line is going to be a really good group. For people in the media, it has been a big question because we had a super veteran group last year, but we're not going to miss anything this year.

— Marco Jones, Texas A&M

Reed's supporting cast at receiver is also considered one of the deeper units in the conference. Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, whose relationship with Reed dates to their high school days in Tennessee, adds a 6-foot-4 target to a room that already includes junior Mario Craver and former five-star prospect Terry Bussey. Horton connected with Reed on a 30-plus-yard completion during one of the team's final scrimmages and has drawn praise for his leadership role among younger players.

Running Back Room Takes a Hit

The one notable setback came Thursday when head coach Mike Elko revealed that redshirt freshman Tiger Riden Jr. will miss the regular season due to an undisclosed injury. Riden had been competing for the No. 3 running back spot and had performed well during the preseason. Elko nonetheless expressed confidence in the depth behind him, citing the play of Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow as well as the development of freshmen KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker.

Rueben and Jamarion have had strong games. We're happy with what Edwards and Baker have done in camp. We feel good about the group we have.

— Mike Elko, Texas A&M head coach

Owens, a former five-star recruit, is expected to open the season as the primary starter after reportedly resolving contact balance issues that limited him previously. Elko said the back is now physically ready to handle the demands of SEC play. Texas A&M opens the 2026 season against Missouri State at Kyle Field, with in-season practice beginning on Friday.