Everything Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said during Coach's Night in San Antonio
Elko's appearance at Coach's Night marked the first time behind the podium for the second-year head coach since the Southeastern Conference's media days last week. The Aggies are set to kick off the 2025 campaign against UTSA on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Kyle Field. With a new season of college football in Bryan-College Station, Texas, set to begin in just 39 days, "talking season" is nearing the end. When it comes to football in the SEC, the talking never stops, however.
Heading into his second season leading the Aggies, that testament is something Elko has come to learn. As he continues to travel around the state to speak in front of Texas A&M alumni, the spirit and passion from the Aggie faithful are unlike anything Elko has ever seen.
Here is everything Elko had to say at Coach's Night in front of the San Antonio A&M Club on Monday, according to TexAgs:
Elko credits passionate display from A&M alumni
"I want to say thank you to you all. Every time I go to these Coach's Nights, I'm blown away by the Aggie Spirit. I've been at a lot of universities, and there is nothing like this."
Elko praises support from fans at Kyle Field
"Last year we averaged over 102,000 people at our home games. We were 101% filled in Kyle Field. That number is larger than any other SEC stadium. We have support at an unbelivable level, and now we'll build the program to match it."
Elko talks team's willingness to serve community
"We've become extremely active in the Bryan-College Station area to give back with the Big Event and with schools. That's really important for young people to give back to keep them grounded, humble and away from entitlement."
Elko expresses excitement about Aggie retention
"Look at who goes in and who goes out of a program. We've been able to keep so many key players. We were able to retain about 99% of the players we wanted to return to our program, so we're really excited about that."
Elko speaks on Marcel Reed's freshman season
"Now he understands what it's like to be QB1 in the SEC. What he had to go through last year is not how you'd write the script for a first-time starter bring in and out. What gets lost is the growth he had last year."
Elko on Aggie RB room
"We returned all of our ball-carriers. Le'Veon Moss will be ready to go. We're excited to have Rueben Owens back. We're glad we got Amari Daniels back. E.J. Smith dealt with a lot of injuries last year, but he's healthy now."
Elko excited about offensive line return
"It's great to bring back all seven of our top offensive linemen. The last time we were this old at this position, we ended our season playing in the Orange Bowl. It's a really strong starting point to have a group like that."
Elko talks WR reform
"We had to reform the wide receiver position. Kevin Concepcion has been everything we hoped he could be. He's elevated the level of the entire wide receiver room. Mario Craver continues to develop. We're excited about the development of Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey."
Elko's defensive standard at A&M
"It is not lost on me the standard we have for defense at Texas A&M. Getting Will Lee III back to anchor the corner position was huge. We believe we've elevated the safety position. Taurean York is the rock of that defense."
Elko on filling gaps from departing players
"We have had more NFL Draft picks on the defensive line since I got here in 2018 than any other team in the SEC. We're comfortable replacing great players. DJ Hicks, Albert Regis, Rylan Kennedy and Cashius Howell will step up."
Elko talks program's future
"We have 15 starters back. We have all of our specialists back. We're excited about where this program is going. We have to build a program you are all proud of. Let's be proud of who we are and where we're going."
Elko dismisses Bussey playing both ways
"He will not. His story has to start at wide receiver. That's not to take away of what he can do or that he won't ever be a two-way player, but we need him to impact the game on offense."
Elko says Shemar Stewart will not return
"Absolutely not. Some people live in this fairytale land of social media where you can create false narratives. I see him every day in our weight room, but he's a Cincinnati Bengal."
Elko describes the most difficult challenge in football
"The biggest puzzle of modern college football is maintaining chemistry and culture in an era where money has become involved in it. Who you bring into your program is crticial. We have to be intentional about how we bring this team together."
Elko praises Regis
"It's really exciting to have a player as talented as Albert Regis. He's a grown man. He's a great leader and a phenomenal player. Anchors like that matter."
Elko on putting more players in the NFL
"We have to have more NFL players across the board. If you look at teams that win the SEC, they're getting 20 players drafted over a two-year period. We will comfortably have 10 kids get their name called at the end of this season."
Elko stresses importance of protecting Reed
"I'm going to knock on wood one more time. Obviously that's something that has to change. It's not lost on us that keeping our quarterback protected and healthy is a critical piece of our success."
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
8 SEC football freshmen defenders who can make an instant impact
The SEC recruits better than any other conference in college football. With this much high-level talent, it's hard to keep some recruits off the field. A handful of true freshmen make immediate impacts every fall. Some players force their way on the field. Others have to play out of necessity. Either way, any team looking to contend needs a few first-year players to make an impact. Today, we'll look at eight true freshman defenders across the SEC that have a chance to be difference makers in 2025. This list ranges from five-stars who could play anywhere to four-star players making strong first impressions. It's hard to predict which true freshman will see playing time, which is typically volatile for true freshmen. It's not rare to see a guy play 35 snaps one week, only to ride the bench the next. But these are the guys likely to get an opportunity in 2025. Let's jump right in, starting with LSU's five-star cornerback. LSU CB DJ Pickett Pickett signed with LSU as the No. 2-ranked cornerback in the class, per the Rivals' Industry Rankings. He enrolled last December and began practicing with LSU ahead of the Tigers' bowl game. Pickett is uber talented and joins an LSU secondary looking to take a big step. Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Blake Baker had to rebuild the unit after a rough 2023. Progress was shown last year, but an influx of talent has led to higher expectations in 2025. There's playing time to be won and Pickett is good enough to demand it. The five-star may not start right away, but Pickett will be in LSU's rotation in Week 1. Tennessee DT Isaiah Campbell Tennessee has recruited at a high level in recent years under head coach Josh Heupel. Defensive tackle Isaiah Campbell is one of the highest-ranked signees in Huepel's tenure. According to the Rivals' Industry Rankings, Campbell was a five-star and the No. 4-ranked defensive tackle in the class. The buzz on Rocky Top suggests Campbell is ready to make an immediate impact. Tennessee lost a couple of contributing defensive tackles from the 2024 squad. Campbell is one of the most talented players on the roster. Look for Campbell to work into the rotation as Tennessee looks to continue its high level of play on the defensive side of the ball. Texas S Jonah Williams Williams, a five-star, was one of the best safeties in the class. He's a dual-sport star who played with Texas Baseball in the spring. That gave Williams a late start prepping for football season, but he's talented enough to overcome that. Texas' secondary has been one of the best in the country in recent years, but the Longhorns lost star safety Andrew Mukuba. The Longhorns have no shortage of blue-chip options at the position, so playing time won't come easily for Williams, but he's too much of a playmaker not to factor in at all. Look for Williams to be in the rotation by late October. Georgia DL Elijah Griffin Georgia recruited and developed some good defensive tackles in recent years. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis were both All-Americans at UGA before going on to be first-round picks. Now, five-star Elijah Griffin looks to be keeping that tradition going. Per 247Sports, Griffin was the No. 3 overall player and No. 1 defensive tackle in the class. It's hard to find the field as a freshman at Georgia, but Griffin has the tools. Here's what 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Irvins had to say about Griffin: "Disruptive interior force that fuses together exceptional physical traits with an advanced feel for the game. Has proven to be no match for the competition that he has faced and followed up an uber-productive prep career with a dominant showing during practices for the Under Armour All-America Game." Texas A&M DL DJ Sanders We'll stick with the theme of defensive tackles and highlight Texas A&M's DJ Sanders. Sanders wasn't a five-star like the first few guys on this list. Per the Rivals' Industry Rankings, Sanders was the No. 98 overall recruit and No. 11-ranked defensive tackle. But Texas A&M has a lot to replace on the defensive line and there's room for a true freshman to make an impact. "One of the stronger defensive linemen at the point of attack in the 2025 recruiting cycle, routinely stacks and sheds opposing offensive linemen with ease," wrote 247Sports analyst Hudson Standish. Georgia LB Zayden Walker Again, it's not easy to find playing time as a true freshman at Georgia, especially as a linebacker. Kirby Smart needs his linebackers to be operating at a high level mentally and not every freshman is up to the task. However, Walker has the athletic tools to mitigate the mental learning curve. Per 247Sports, Walker was the No. 1-ranked linebacker in the class. At 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, he's physically ready for SEC football. With CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson, Georgia likes its starting linebackers but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Walker get run as a depth piece or in special packages. Alabama S Ivan Taylor Alabama's secondary is loaded, but there's room for young guys to find the field, especially at safety. Taylor was a top-100 recruit and ranked No. 5 at his position. According to Andrew Bone, Taylor is in the mix to play as a true freshman. "He drew a lot of praise from the upperclassmen during the spring. There's a great chance he'll start on special teams and also make the regular rotation at safety. He'll have some great players ahead of him to learn from this fall." Ole Miss S Cortez Thomas Ole Miss's secondary was one of the SEC's best in 2024 but the group is starting from scratch in 2025 with most of the top contributors gone. That leaves true freshman Cortez Thomas with a chance to make an instant impact. Thomas wasn't a top recruit, ranking No. 322 nationally and No. 30 at his position. He was a blue-chip, but he's not the same caliber of prospect as some others on this list. With playing time wide open and position battles across the board, Thomas can wiggle into the rotation. Texas DE Lance Jackson Jackson won't claim a starting role for Texas with all the talent returning at pass rusher, but EDGE is a position where depth matters. The more competent pass rushers, the better a defensive coordinator can keep the unit fresh. Texas defensive end Colin Simmons is expected to be one of the top defenders in the country. If Jackson is good enough to spell Simmons for 10 snaps a game, Simmons' impact is maximized. Texas isn't shy about playing true freshmen, especially those of Jackson's caliber. The defensive end from Texas ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit and No. 2 at his position. Look to see Jackson on the field early for the Longhorns.


USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
LSU football cornerback leads all returning SEC defensive backs in key stat
LSU football cornerback Ashton Stamps didn't earn Preseason All-SEC honors at SEC Media Days, but LSU fans should be optimistic about the junior corner entering 2025. According to PFF, Stamps and Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad each broke up nine passes in 2024, which is the best mark among returning SEC corners in 2025. Playing opposite of Zy Alexander, Stamps was thrown at a lot in 2024. Stamps was targeted 60 times, but with nine pass breakups and a forced incompletion rate of 18%, Stamps made consistent plays on the ball. Stamps wasn't able to convert any of the pass breakups into picks, though. Stamps' 2024 play was up and down, but his ability to disrupt and force incompletions is a strong sign we may see a step forward in 2025. Stamps was thrown into the fire as a true freshman in 2023 and struggled with the rest of the LSU defense. But when Stamps got a chance as a full-time starter in 2024, progress was evident. LSU expects a big year from the secondary with Stamps taking another step.


USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Four LSU football players make Phil Steele's First-Team All-SEC squad
LSU football boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football, which is reflected in Phil Steele's All-SEC predictions. Steele, the author of Phil Steele's College Football 25 Preview, included four Tigers on his First-Team All-SEC roster. On offense, Garrett Nussmeier headlines the group with Steele giving Nussmeier the nod over Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers. Nussmeier was joined by one of his top pass catchers -- dynamic slot wide receiver Aaron Anderson. Anderson, a former five-star, was LSU's leading wide receiver in 2024, catching 61 passes for 884 yards. Of LSU's five leading receivers from 2024, Anderson is the only returnee. That sets the redshirt junior up for a big year. On defense, linebacker Whit Weeks makes the cut. Weeks isn't just garnering All-SEC hype -- he's seen as a strong All-American candidate. Steele gave LSU its flowers on special teams with kick returner Barion Brown earning First-Team Honors, too. Brown is expected to be one of LSU's top difference-makers on offense, but he's dangerous on special teams. At Kentucky, Brown returned five kicks for touchdowns.