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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Pro Football Focus previews Texas A&M's 2025 football season
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko will enter his second season at the helm with higher expectations than his inaugural campaign, largely due to the return of talent and 14 transfer portal additions that have added much-needed depth to a roster that needed to change for the better and transform previous weaknesses into predominant strengths. The return of redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed resulted in wide receivers KC Concepcion (NC State) and Mario Craver (Mississippi State), two of the top transfer receivers, choosing the Aggies based on Reed's skill set and their overall fit in OC Collin Klein's offense. In the backfield, senior running back Le'Veon Moss and former five-star Rueben Owens are the headliners, while Amari Daniels and EJ Smith provide elite depth. However, the 2025 Aggie offense will only work as long as the offensive line lives up to its high offseason expectations, which includes all five 2024 starters, led by senior guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, whose high confidence in the O-line and the offense as a whole was seen during his appearance at SEC Media Days last week. "The goals we have aren't lofty. We were one play away from being in the SEC Championship game… We're coming." Adams' statement isn't just based on confidence, but the reality that surrounds A&M's roster, which is all too experienced and talented not to win at least nine or ten games this season, despite what rival fanbases or some in the national media have stated. Still, credit to Pro Football Focus for, yes, focusing on the core reasons Texas A&M will either make the College Football Playoff or, once again, win only seven or eight games. On offense, PFF believes that the running game, led by Le'Veon Moss and Marcel Reed, during designed runs, is Texas A&M's primary strength, mainly due to the backfield's speed and vision, combined with the veteran offensive line, which will also open up the passing game with new and returning weapons. "Texas A&M's ground game should be one of the best in the country this season. The Aggies boast the No. 5 running back unit and No. 3 offensive line, along with one of the top rushing quarterbacks in the nation in Marcel Reed. Adding to that firepower are wide receivers Kevin Concepcion and Terry Bussey, both of whom have shown big-play ability out of the backfield." Defensively, the loss of defensive linemen Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton to the NFL created an opening for senior edge Cashius Howell and junior Rylan Kennedy to earn starting spots on the outside, while four defensive line additions from the transfer portal, including former Iowa State DL Tyler Odyedim, who is nearly guaranteed to make an immediate impact inside between junior DJ Hicks and senior Albert Regis. However, the defense isn't highlighted within the preview, instead noting that Texas A&M's main weakness is Marcel Reed's potential lack of improvement in the passing game, which could put the Aggies at a disadvantage if he doesn't exhibit strides early and throughout the 2025 season. "For Texas A&M's offense to avoid becoming one-dimensional in 2025, Marcel Reed must develop as a passer. His 64.6 passing grade last season ranked just 114th nationally, and his 29.4 grade under pressure was the fourth-lowest in the Power Four. With a top-tier offensive line and a deep group of playmakers around him, the pieces are in place — now Reed simply needs to elevate his game." While these are simply numbers, Reed's "freshman moments" came under pressure, leading to most of his six interceptions. Therefore, I agree that with all the strengths around him, improving in the pocket is mandatory for the Aggies to win tough games at home, especially on the road. PFF named Marcel Reed and Ar'maj Reed-Adams as the offensive players of focus, noting Reed's speed and 22 "explosive" runs last season, paired with Adams' elite running blocking and overall power as both players' strengths. On defense, junior linebacker Taurean York, who finished with 59 run stops last season, is either tied, or right behind Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr., who, as we all remember, was once committed to Texas A&M. The biggest takeaway from this preview is that we are in complete agreement that Marcel Reed's internal clock, which PFF measured at an average of 3.1 seconds before his release last season, needs to speed up, which shouldn't be difficult while working with a wide receiver room built on speed and quickness and better separation in coverage. Texas A&M is a College Football Playoff contender on paper, only if Marcel Reed takes that proverbial "next step," while the pass rush and secondary show consistency with Mike Elko now calling plays. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- 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.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2026 four-star wide receiver Jase Mathews announces commitment date
All the attention this week is in Atlanta with SEC Media Days. The Auburn Tigers received some news on the 2026 recruiting front on Monday when 2026 four-star wide receiver Jase Mathews announced when he would make his commitment. Hayes Fawcett of Rivals posted that Mathews would make the announcement on August 8th. He recently named his top four teams with Auburn being on that list. The other teams in the final four are LSU, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss. Mathews is from Leakesville, Mississippi where he attends Greene County High School. He is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 9 player in Mississippi and No. 27 nationally at wide receiver. Marcus Davis and Derrick Nix are both handling the recruitment of Mathews. Ole Miss is still the favorite to land Mathews according to Rivals. They are currently at 35.7% with Auburn following at 23.5%. Mathews is the type of player who possesses the talent to make an impact on whichever team he decides to play for. As a junior, he caught 68 passes for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns. Showing that he is a great athlete, Thomas also plays basketball and runs track. It has been well documented with the struggles Auburn has had in recruiting for the 2026 class. The Tigers are last in the SEC and only have nine commitments. Success in the regular season can change the Tigers' fortunes in recruiting. A commitment from Mathews could help bolster the class, and give the Tigers some much needed momentum. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Phillip on Twitter This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: 2026 four-star wide receiver Jase Mathews announces commitment date
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the SEC's Top 10 Cornerbacks for the 2025 College Football Season
In modern college football, few positions are as important as cornerback. A shutdown corner can change the completion of a defense. When a defensive coordinator trusts a corner on an island, it makes everything easier for the rest of the unit. Safeties can help in run support, and playcallers can dial up creative blitzes. If another player in the secondary is struggling, resources can be allocated there because the coaches know the shutdown corner doesn't need any help. LSU football fans have become familiar with elite cornerback play over the years. LSU is known as "DBU", even if the Tigers' secondary hasn't been up to standard in recent years. LSU is hoping that changes this year with the addition of some top transfers, along with five-star freshman DJ Pickett. Cornerback play around the SEC is expected to be strong with several of the top names from 2024 set to return. With kick-off one month away, here's a look at the SEC's top cornerbacks for the 2025 football season. 10. Kayin Lee, Auburn Lee joined Auburn in 2023 as a four-star recruit from Georgia. He saw time as a true freshman, playing 336 snaps, but 2024 was a breakout year for the cornerback. Lee's 58.0 passer rating targeted ranks second among returning SEC corners, only trailing the guy who is No. 1 on this list. Lee broke up four passes with two picks and forced seven incompletions. Quarterbacks weren't afraid to throw his direction, but he made them pay. Opposing offenses completed just 46.9% of passes when throwing at Lee. 9. Domani Jackson, Alabama Domani Jackson has a strong case to be higher on this list was named Second Team Preseason All-SEC at SEC Media Days. He has the attention of NFL scouts, and with a strong 2025, he'll be a first-round pick in next year's NFL Draft. Jackson is a former five-star recruit who began his career at USC. 2024 was Jackson's first year with the Tide, and he broke up five passes while recording two interceptions. Jackson made 15 stops and had a 63.0 passer rating when targeted. Expect a big year from the talented veteran in 2025. 8. Mansoor Delane, LSU Delane was one of the top available corners in the transfer portal. With LSU needing help in the secondary, the Tigers made Delane a priority and secured his commitment. Delane was Third-Team All-ACC with Virginia Tech in 2024. He posted a 69.5 PFF defensive grade and allowed a completion percentage of 47.2%, which ranked seventh among ACC cornerbacks. Delane is a big and physical corner who will replace Zy Alexander in the boundary. Delane has a knack for forcing turnovers with six career picks and four forced fumbles. "Mansoor Delane has been very, very impactful at the cornerback position," LSU head coach Brian Kelly said. 7. Zabien Brown, Alabama Jackson wasn't the only Alabama corner to make this list -- he's joined by teammate Zabien Brown. Brown made an instant impact as a five-star freshman in 2024. He played 660 snaps and posted a PFF coverage grade of 70.8. Brown's allowed completion percentage of 45% ranks fourth among returning SEC cornerbacks and he allowed a reception once per 18.7 coverage snaps. That's close to an elite mark. Now, as Brown enters his sophomore year, he looks to take another step. If he progresses at this rate, he has a chance to be the best corner in the SEC by season's end. 6. Eli Bowen, Oklahoma Bowen's 78.7 PFF coverage grade ranks second among returning SEC cornerbacks. He was a three-star recruit, but he exceeded all expectations and made a massive impact as a true freshman. Bowen served as a rotational piece early in the year, but took over as a starter in week seven and didn't look back. Bowen stands at 5-foot-9, but he punches above his weight and can play on the outside. LSU got the best of Bowen, targeting him for 115 yards. But it's hard to find any blemishes outside of that. Look for Bown to emerge as a star in 2025. 5. Daylen Everette, Georgia Daylen Everette earned First Team Preseason All-SEC honors at media days. The veteran Georgia cornerback has over 1,600 snaps under his belt after three years with the Bulldawgs and now looks to have a career campaign as a senior. Everette has eight career pass breakups with four picks. Three of those picks came in 2024, when Everette posted a 73.3 PFF coverage grade. Everette forced two fumbles and registered a sack, too. Georgia needs Everette to perform at a superstar level as the Dawgs look to get back to playing national championship-level defense after the unit was down a tick in 2024. 4. Will Lee, Texas A&M Lee was one of the top-ranked transfers in last year's transfer class. Texas A&M was searching for an impact corner and got just what it was looking for. Lee posted a 71.8 coverage grade and allowed just 47.2% of targets to be completed, which was one of the best marks in the SEC. Standing at 6-foot-3, Lee is one of the most physical corners in the conference. Despite just being in college for two years, Lee has already played 1,000+ snaps of quality football. Lee has the upside to be an All-American and a first-round pick in next year's NFL Draft. 3. Malik Muhammad, Texas Muhammad has big shoes to fill. Star Texas corner Jhadae Barron is off to the NFL, leaving Muhammad as the feature piece in the secondary. Muhammad was a highly touted recruit in the class of 2023, just missing the cut to be a five-star. He broke up nine passes in 2024, which is tied for the best mark among returning SEC cornerbacks. He can blanket receivers and opponents only completed 50% of passes when throwing his way. Muhammad has the talent to be an All-American corner. Texas needs Muhammad to play at that level with the departure of Barron. 2. Jay Crawford, Auburn I'm doing some projection here after Crawford's stellar true freshman campaign. But the numbers back it up. Crawford's forced incompletion rate of 28% ranks No. 1 among returning SEC corners. His allowed completion percentage of 40.6% is also the best mark in that group. He only allowed 13 catches all year with 19.1 snaps/reception, ranking second among returning SEC corners. Crawford played just 267 snaps, fewer than most of the guys on this list, but he'll be a full-time starter in 2025. His lone bad game came vs. Texas A&M, where he allowed over 100 yards, but Crawford was near perfect outside of that. I expect Crawford to be All-American in 2025. 1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee Jermod McCoy transferred to Tennessee ahead of 2024 after a standout freshman campaign with Oregon State in 2023. The adjustment to the SEC was seamless as McCoy emerged as one of the top defenders in the conference. McCoy broke up six passes and picked off four. McCoy was targeted a lot, 62 times, but he was a playmaker when the ball was thrown his way. He forced 12 incompletions, which was one of the best marks in the SEC. There's one hang-up here, though. McCoy tore his ACL in January, and there's a chance he's not ready for week one. But that's not enough to keep McCoy out of the top spot. Assuming McCoy's recovery is smooth, he's the best corner in this conference. Tennessee's defense was stout in 2024, and while some key pieces are gone, McCoy gives them a chance to be top-notch again in 2025.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
SEC coaches who could leave for the NFL
The conversation of whether Nick Saban will return to coaching became huge news last week after his former quarterback started the rumor during SEC Media Days that he was considering a return. And while Saban made it clear he is happy at least for now with where he is, several SEC coaches could be in the mix for an NFL job in the future. Lane Kiffin The Ole Miss head coach did coach the Raiders at one point and wasn't horrible. At the time, management (meaning Al Davis) didn't like him, and he was too young and immature for the job, but now that he's grown older, he seems to have become a better head coach and has matured. Kiffin has had opportunities to leave Ole Miss for other college coaching jobs, but you get the feeling that at some point, if something bigger and better comes along, Kiffin is gone. The only question is, will it be for a bigger college gig or back to the NFL. Steve Sarkisian Out of the names mentioned, Sark might be the guy who could be NFL-bound soon because of Arch Manning. Sarkisian is a quarterback guru, and if Manning has the type of season many think he will, you could easily see a scenario where he and Manning wind up on the same team together as a package deal. Maybe to the New Orleans Saints or the Dallas Cowboys. Stay tuned. Kirby Smart Since Nick Saban is no longer coaching, Smart is likely considered the best coach in college football. He's won two national championships, three SEC titles, and has sent several players to the NFL. Smart seems to be happy at his alma mater, but you have to wonder at some point, is he going to get an itch to try the NFL? It's not like he'd have to go far; the Atlanta Falcons are right up the road, and with nearly 30 of his players being arrested since he's been head coach, he might head to the NFL sooner than we think.
