Sporting News ranks Texas A&M’s Elko 11th after historic playoff run
Mike Elko’s rise to No. 11 in Sporting News’ latest College Football head coach rankings reflects a successful 2025 season defined by recruiting, player development, and a historic 11-0 start.
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has climbed 15 places to sit at No. 11 in Sporting News’ latest College Football head coach rankings. The significant jump follows his leadership of the Aggies to their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history during the 2025 season. The ranking underscores Elko’s effectiveness in recruiting, player development, and establishing team culture since joining the university.
The Aggies began the 2025 season with an 11-0 record, a feat bolstered by standout individual performances. Quarterback Marcel Reed recorded 3,169 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, while senior edge rusher Cashius Howell led the SEC with 11.5 sacks. Howell’s performance earned him unanimous All-American status, making him the 11th Aggie to receive the honour. Additionally, star transfer KC Concepcion led the team in receiving.
Elko’s strategic foresight was evident in his prediction during the 2025 offseason that ten players would be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The roster has since fulfilled that projection, with a record 10 players chosen. To maintain momentum, Texas A&M returns the bulk of its 2025 roster while adding 17 transfer portal players to replace more than 20 departures. Strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt has been credited with aiding the team’s culture during this transition.
Nationally recognised as one of the premier defensive minds in college football, Elko holds a 6-4 record against top-25 teams. However, he remains winless with a 0-2 record against the Texas Longhorns. The rivalry is set to renew with Texas A&M hosting the Longhorns at Kyle Field, a fixture that invites scrutiny given the current head-to-head record.
Elko is described as a common-sense voice on the college football landscape, particularly regarding the expansion of the College Football Playoff. Sporting News noted that he continues to move up each season, having won at multiple stops including Duke and Texas A&M. The publication’s assessment aligns with Elko’s reputation for avoiding sound bites in favour of substantive commentary on the sport.
