High expectations will put spotlight on Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M

Texas A&M underperformed last season. Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher can’t afford to let it happen again.

On Sunday, On3’s own JD Pickell discussed the college football teams that will make headlines in 2023. After going 5-7 last season despite amassing significant talent, Texas A&M undoubtedly made Pickell’s list.

“Let me put it like this, I’m going to throw three teams at you: Tulsa, Vanderbilt, Arizona. All three of those teams also went 5-7 in 2022,” Pickell said. “Why isn’t that a known thing, whereas everybody and their mama knew A&M went 5-7?”

Pickell proceeded to answer his own question rather quickly, stating the talent and brand of those teams are nothing compared to A&M. He’s correct. The Aggies had seven five-star recruits in 2022, more than any team has ever signed in one class.

Furthermore, the Aggies boast one of the biggest fanbases in the country. According to a report published by Sports Illustrated in 2020, A&M has the eighth most valuable college football program in the nation.

The greatest scene in college football.

See you on Sept. 2 at Kyle Field, #12thMan 👍 pic.twitter.com/kEQZQhpQN1

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) May 25, 2023

“Whether they succeed to great heights or whether they go and just make a bowl game or win seven games, there’s going to be attention on them. They will make headlines,” Pickell said.

Fisher and the Aggies are doing what they can to make the former option a reality. The program hired Bobby Petrino in January 2023 to serve as the new offensive coordinator. The hire is… A risk.

While Petrino’s coaching career is highlighted with success, it’s also littered with controversy. From sudden resignations to straight-up scandals, Petrino is a known wildcard. Nonetheless, Fisher seems thrilled to add the 62-year-old coach to his deck.

“I am very happy to add Bobby as our offensive coordinator,” Fisher following the hire in January. “I always had tremendous respect for him as a head coach, offensive coordinator and play caller. He is one of the best minds in college football. Bobby has a reputation for developing players and we are extremely excited to have him on our staff.”

Development is just what the Aggies need. With promising young talent on both sides of the ball such as quarterback Connor Weigman and defensive tackle Walter Nolen, A&M has all the pieces needed to construct a fantastic unit. Now, the question is how fast can Fisher build?