Texas A&M football: 4 things to look for in Aggies spring game (2025)

COLLEGE STATION — For the 15th and final time this spring, Texas A&M football will take the field as a team in its annual Maroon and White game on Saturday at Kyle Field.

Head coach Mike Elko and Co. have been putting the new-look Aggies to work in Year 2 of his system as A&M tries to elevate past an 8-5 season. A&M has been aggressive in the transfer portal, adding 13 players, with seven on offense and six on defense.

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Many new faces, along with plenty of familiar ones too, were highlighted this spring, including Jordan Shaw, DJ Hicks and Ar'Maj Reed-Adams. With so much to look for during the action, here are four things we'll be looking for Saturday's spring game:

Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed's development

Practice time availability for media has been limited this camp. Those in attendance get 30 minutes to observe, and much of it is mundane warmup drills before A&M gets into the real work. As a result, it's been tough to gauge how good new QB1 Marcel Reed has truly looked. He's put on some healthy weight and looks to be moving with the elusive agility he's known for.

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Reed started eight of 11 games he appeared in last season, finishing with 1,864 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes and seven more on the ground. Saturday provides the first real chance this spring to see Reed "let it loose" in a semi-live situation. He won't be getting tackled, but the pass rush and everything else will be real.

How Reed goes through his progressions, looks in the pocket, his decision making and how he has grown as a leader will be on full display.

A&M's new-look defensive line

A lot of resources went into upgrading the Aggies' defensive line this offseason. With four players expected to have immediate impacts added to the group and Shemar Stewart, Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner off to the NFL, there are plenty of questions along the defensive front.

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The group is highlighted by familiar face Cashius Howell, who was arguably A&M's best pass rusher last season despite the aforementioned names. Newcomers included Florida's T.J. Searcy, Colorado's Dayon Hayes, Iowa State's Tyler Onyedim and Georgia's Sam M'Pemba.

Searcy appeared in 24 games for the Gators, collecting 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2½ sacks last season and figures to be a key piece opposite of Howell.

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The early returns on all of these guys have been positive, but the spring game provides a real chance to see how they look in the Aggies' system in live reps.

Can Aggies' new receivers continue to impress?

Perhaps one of the additions that have Aggies fans most excited is junior KC Concepcion. The former North Carolina State wide receiver has routinely been first in line in practice drills and has looked the part of a true WR1.

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A&M struggled at times at the position last season. Its leading receiver, Noah Thomas — who accumulated 574 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 receptions last year — transferred to Georgia. The Aggies aggressively addressed their wideout depth, adding Concepcion, Mississippi State's Mario Craver and Houston's Jonah Wilson.

The new trio becomes a quartet with rising sophomore playmaker Terry Bussey, who Elko said will be focusing at wide receiver going forward.

A&M boasts talented cornerbacks room

One of the bigger points of emphasis for A&M this offseason was upgrading the cornerbacks room. Washington transfer Jordan Shaw is among those drawing the most praise so far. Shaw appeared in four games for the Huskies, tallying 37 tackles and six passes defended.

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Shaw has been frequently mentioned by players and staff as someone who's impressed in practices. He and former Georgia Bulldog Julian Humphrey look primed for big roles alongside returning starter Will Lee III.

Another intriguing name to watch who may make an appearance in the spring game is Tyreek Chappell. The rising senior was lost early in the 2024 season with a leg injury but has been seen in full pads participating in spring practices. Chappell, recruited as a three-star prospect from Philadelphia, started both games he played last season.

Reach Texas A&M Beat Reporter Tony Catalina via email at ACatalina@gannett.com. Follow the American-Statesman onFacebookandXfor more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get access toall of our best contentwiththis tremendous offer.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas A&M spring game: Jordan Shaw, Marcel Reed among those to watch