Greg McElroy defends his ranking of Texas A&M on Top 10 offensive lines list

Putting together his top 10 list of offensive lines in college football heading into the 2025 season, ESPN’s Greg McElroy is incredibly high on Texas A&M. The Aggies take the No. 2 overall spot, only trailing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Head coach Mike Elko has a defensive background but seemingly put together one of the best units out there.

But why does McElroy think so much of Texas A&M’s offensive line? He explained as such and believes not too much color is needed.

“This is all about experience and depth,” McElroy said. “Simple as that. If you want an explanation, that’s what it is. If you’re going to boil it down to one thing or two things, experience and depth. They had guys leave the program because they could not be guaranteed a starting spot because they felt so good about the six, seven, eight guys that could be in the rotations for the Aggies.”

All five starters from 2024’s group are back, set to block for quarterback Marcel Reed. Texas A&M also sports one of the rushing attacks with an absolutely loaded running back room. There is so much to like about what the Aggies present on offense.

However, Cole Cubelic is hoping to actually see it this season. He wants offensive coordinator Collin Klein to rely on the offensive line for all 60 minutes, especially if some of the questions surrounding Reid begin to pop up. Not many defensive fronts will walk onto a field against Texas A&M with a discernible advantage.

“This group has as much nasty as anybody in college football,” Cubelic said. “And they’ve added some real talent to it and now, they have some real depth to go along with it… There were times where I felt like Collin Klein got away from letting this group control the game… But this is a group, this year, that I think he should be able to lean on and say, ‘You’re the tone setters. We go where you take us.’ And allow that group to be horses that pull the wagon because I think they have all the makings to be that.”

Even with all of the experience and depth, a tough test is ahead. Outside of the usual eight-game SEC schedule, Texas A&M will once again face Notre Dame in the nonconference portion of the schedule. Going into South Bend and facing a Marcus Freeman-built defensive line will be a great early barometer.