SEC Spring Check-In: Texas A&M starts over with Mike Elko ahead of the return of the rivalry
Before the Texas Longhorns officially join the Southeastern Conference on July 1, Inside Texas is going around the SEC to check in with each of Texas’ new conference mates for updates on the latest spring storylines, important roster notes, and much more as the Longhorns embark upon life in a new league.
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Olin Buchanan, columnist for TexAgs, took the time to answer a few questions about the Texas A&M Aggies as they enter their first campaign under new head coach Mike Elko. The Longhorns face the Aggies in College Station on Saturday, November 30. It will be the first matchup between Texas and Texas A&M since 2011.
1. How much different will the SEC be in ’24 not only with Texas and Oklahoma joining, but also the elimination of divisions?
Olin Buchanan: Quite a bit different. Adding two powerful programs makes the SEC grind even more treacherous. Bad days are rarely forgiven in the SEC. They will become even more rare. Abolishing the divisions is interesting. What if three teams have identical records and haven’t played each other? Could cause a lot of angst.
2. What is the spring storyline to track on offense for the Aggies (transfers, star recruits, coaches coming and going, etc.)?
OB: Everything about A&M’s offense starts with the line. Quite frankly, A&M will probably be as good as its line. And it wasn’t good last year. The Aggies are good everywhere else on offense. They brought in several transfers to bolster the line. But the most important additions are probably OC Collin Klein and OL coach Adam Cushing. Jimbo Fisher‘s offensive scheme was old and predictable. Former OL coach Steve Adazzio was just… bad.
3. What’s the spring storyline to track on defense for the Aggies?
OB: The return of Mike Elko and new DC Jay Bateman will likely make the defense better. Some of former DC D.J. Durkin‘s decisions and strategies were … curious. But whatever the scheme the Aggies must improve at cornerback. That position was a major problem. The addition of former Kansas State CB Will Lee, as well as several others, have to help. It can’t hurt.
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4. Which returner from the 2023 roster was the most important for Texas A&M?
OB: Forgive me for going for the low-hanging fruit, but the most important returner is QB Conner Weigman. He was on pace for a tremendous year before his season-ending injury. If they can keep him healthy, Weigman legitimately can be A&M’s best QB since Johnny Manziel. Beyond Weigman, a case could be made for several players as the most important returnee. To me, I’d say DL Shemar Turner, who opted against the NFL. He had a strong season in 2023 and could/should be better in 2024.
5. Which transfer portal addition was the most important for Texas A&M?
OB: Aforementioned Will Lee is an important addition, but most important is DE Nic Scourton from Purdue. He led the Big Ten with 10 sacks. You can’t have too many pass rushers.
6. Which class of 2024 signing was the most important for A&M?
OB: I’d probably go with 5-star Terry Bussey. He’s from a small school, but there’s no denying his speed and athletic ability. He could be used at corner or receiver — possibly both. He’ll also be an option to return kicks.
7. The game A&M fans have circled on the 2024 schedule is…
OB: Hmmm …. Notre Dame is always a marquee opponent. And it kicks off the Mike Elko era. And LSU in October is big. That’s a long-time rival and the series has been even the last six years. But let’s be real … Texas is the highest-profile game. Hell, with the return of the rivalry and all that goes with it that may be the most anticipated game in the nation.
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