Texas A&M · SECTexas A&M opens playoff follow-up against Missouri State
The No. 8 Aggies begin Sept. 5 at Kyle Field with Marcel Reed, the run defense and Marco Jones under scrutiny.
SEP 4, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial IllustrationTexas A&M’s 2025 overall and SEC records
Aggies’ preseason AP and AFCA Coaches ranking
Starters lost across the offensive and defensive lines
01 · The NewsThe First Test
No. 8 Texas A&M opens its 2026 season against Missouri State at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 5, at Kyle Field, beginning the Aggies’ follow-up to their first College Football Playoff appearance and the programs’ first meeting.
Texas A&M went 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the SEC last season. The Aggies lost 10 players to the NFL Draft, both coordinators and eight of nine starters across the offensive and defensive lines, but enter the opener ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25 and AFCA Coaches poll. Missouri State went 7-6 in its first FBS season.
“Especially down the stretch, those were two perceived weak points that caused A&M's season to end how it did, and lots of conversations about both have persisted all offseason,” Texas A&M writer Robert Behrens said, pointing to the run defense and quarterback Marcel Reed.
Reed’s accuracy will draw the clearest look, particularly on open downfield throws. Texas A&M has not said whether Reed will start or named its final lineup. The run defense must avoid the chunk plays that extend Missouri State drives and keep the game from becoming a deeper test for the Aggies’ new pieces.
Sophomore Marco Jones also takes on a larger role after Cashius Howell’s departure. Jones is the leading candidate to replace Howell as Texas A&M’s primary pass-rushing threat; he had five sacks in the 2025 Maroon & White spring game. Northwestern transfer Anto Saka and four offensive-line transfers who started in the SEC last season add to the group Texas A&M will put under examination.
Behrens said the best opener would be one in which “the starters never see the fourth quarter,” but the more telling signs come earlier: Reed’s throws, Missouri State’s early rushing success and Jones’ pressure off the edge.
02 · The StakesWhy It Matters
The game gives Texas A&M its first evidence on a reload that must carry into a Sept. 12 home test against Arizona State and then the SEC schedule. Missouri State cannot answer every question, but missed throws, chunk plays and other mistakes will be magnified in the Aggies’ first game.
“Especially down the stretch, those were two perceived weak points that caused A&M's season to end how it did, and lots of conversations about both have persisted all offseason”
Texas A&M writer Robert Behrens03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Marcel Reed hit the open throws?
Reed’s accuracy, particularly on open downfield throws, is the clearest early check.
Does the defense hold up on the edges?
Watch Missouri State’s early rushing success and Marco Jones’ pressure off the edge.