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We’ve heard from multiple sources that backup quarterback Brady Hart got more work with the first team this week after his solid performance last weekend against The Citadel (8-12, 107 yards, 1 TD). While Marcel Reed still had more success, Hart’s play and his steadiness were welcome improvements. Reed will start tomorrow, but it’s a real possibility that, if he struggles, Coach Mike Elko will turn to Hart.

Players-only meetings continue

The offense, in an attempt to get out of its doldrums, has been holding a series of players-only meetings to iron out not only the mistakes they’ve been making, but to come together as a group. There have been gripes that this group is not as close as the 2025 edition, and it’s pretty easy to see why.

2025 LT: Trey Zuhn (3-year starter) 2026 LT: Tyree Adams (’26 transfer)

2025 LG: Chase Bisontis (3-year starter) 2026 LG: Trovon Baugh (’26 transfer)

2025 and 2026 C: Mark Nabou

2025 RG: Ar’Maj Reed-Adams (2-year starter) 2026 RG: Wilkin Formby (’26 trasnfer)

2025 RT: Dametrious Crownover (3-year starter) 2026 RT: Lamont Rogers (sophomore)

At running back, KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker are new arrivals. At receiver, Isaiah Horton and the freshmen are all new. The tight end group is all new except for Micah Riley and Kiotti Armstrong.

We’ll see if they’ve been useful tomorrow

Expected offensive changes tomorrow

Not just with personnel, though I’ll get to the injury report shortly. It wasn’t a coincidence that the Aggies used more tempo against The Citadel. That was a live fire exercise that worked and I expect to see more of it tomorrow. Maybe not the entire game, but for periods of it, especially early on to get Reed into a groove. Also, expect to see more zone blocking tomorrow and fewer counters, where offensive linemen pull to the other side to serve as lead blockers. That has not worked to date and they’re looking to open quick holes for the backs.

0 and 2 is not a count

Those are your primary backs tomorrow. With Jamarion Morrow close to 100% for the first time this season, he and KJ Edwards will likely carry the load against Alabama Saturday. Rueben Owens only had six snaps last week, and with the success both Edwards and Morrow had, there’s no immediate reason to chnage it.

Injury update

There are five players listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game: WR Mario Craver, DT DJ Hicks, OL Trovon Baugh, LB Daymion Sanford and DE Anto Saka.

Craver will likely be a gametime decision, but if he comes out limping, forget it. He wouldn’t be that much of a help in that case and TK Norman would start. Hicks, I think, will play. Sanford and Saka probably will as well, but situationally. Bryce Perry-Wright will see more time tomorrow at defensive end. I’m not sure at all on Baugh and, if he can’t go, true freshman Sam Roseborough will start in his place.

Will the Aggies scramble to replace Whiteside?

Texas A&M lost its first commit from its top-ranked 2027 recruiting class this week when 4-star LB Aston Whiteside flipped to Miami. So what do they do with so little time to replace him before the early signing period?

Probably nothing.

Wait, what?
Seriously, probably nothing. There’s not much of a need to.

With the 5 for 5 rule, the Aggies could get Daymion Sanford and Ray Coney back for next year. Sanford, with all his injuries, would seem like a very strong candidate to return and Coney may see greater opportunity if he stays another year in a scheme he’s getting more comfortable with. But even if both leave, the Aggies will (presumably) have Noah Mikhail, Jordan Lockhart, Tamarion Watkins, Qui Beck, Tank King, Storm Miller, Kaden Henderson and Mikahi Allen around before the transfer portal opens.

The Aggies are still looking for a running back and some defensive backs, but I don’t see a rush to find a linebacker unless a very talented one falls into their laps.

Class stability update

Since Whiteside is gone, who else may flip, you ask? 4-star OL DeMarrion Johnson took an official visit to SMU last weekend, but he doesn’t seem like he’s in any hurry to flip. He’s been a commit for a long time and Adam Cushing has a strong relationship with him. The A&M staff reached out this week to assure him they very much want him as part of this class, if he had any doubts about that.

Miami continues to try to get Mark Matthews on campus, but he didn’t show up for their game against FSU last weekend. The Hurricanes and Notre Dame also continue to try to sway 5-star LB Kaden Henderson, but he has not been receptive to date.

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