Texas A&M’s first-year head coach Mike Elko has made headlines not just for his team’s impressive 7-1 record and 5-0 position atop the SEC standings, but also for a statement he made following a 38-23 victory over LSU that stirred speculation across the league. Elko’s comment about the program being “real” and not “fake” led to questions about whether he was taking jabs at other coaches, particularly LSU’s Brian Kelly or former A&M coach Jimbo Fisher.
Elko, who has worked as an assistant under both coaches, quickly clarified that his remarks were not directed at anyone in particular but were intended to emphasize the strength and authenticity of the Texas A&M program. He found it amusing that he had to explain his words, stating, “I want to make sure everybody knows that I was not talking about anybody directly.” Despite his assurances, the speculation surrounding his comments adds to the drama that makes the SEC so captivating.
Texas A&M has long been the subject of ridicule, especially after a series of disappointing seasons despite substantial financial investments in coaching and recruiting. After firing Fisher, the Aggies paid a record $76 million to buy out his contract. While Fisher had his moments—most notably a 9-1 season during the COVID-19 pandemic—his overall tenure saw the team struggle, leaving many to wonder if A&M could ever realize its potential.
In this context, Elko was not the big-name hire that many anticipated. After successful stints at Duke, where he built a respectable football program in just two years, Elko has proven to be a solid choice for A&M. At 47, he is known as a no-nonsense, old-school coach who emphasizes physicality and fundamental football—qualities that align with the identity he seeks to instill in his teams.
Texas A&M possesses all the elements necessary for a top-tier program: its prime location near Houston, a massive 100,000-seat stadium, state-of-the-art facilities, a passionate fan base, and significant financial resources, including lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. However, the program has underperformed historically, with only one double-digit win season since 1998, largely due to a series of missteps in leadership.
Elko’s success thus far has reignited hope for Texas A&M fans, positioning him as a potential long-term solution to the program’s woes. If he can maintain the momentum and build a winning culture, A&M has the potential to emerge as a national powerhouse, fulfilling the promise that many have long recognized.
With the upcoming tough road game against South Carolina, Elko is focused on solidifying his program’s identity and continuing to attract top talent. His ability to communicate the legitimacy of Texas A&M football is essential as he works to reshape the narrative around the program.
Elko’s recent comments and the current success of the Aggies highlight a significant shift in the program’s trajectory. While eight games may not guarantee lasting success, Elko appears to be laying the foundation for Texas A&M to finally live up to its status as a “sleeping giant” in college football. The long-suffering fan base is cautiously optimistic that with the right leadership, the Aggies can finally achieve their ambitions on the national stage.
Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle has announced his decision to medically retire from football due to the impact of a recent concussion. Tuttle, who joined the Wolverines after transferring from Indiana, faced multiple injuries during his collegiate career. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed gratitude for his time with the team and the support he received from coaches and teammates. Prioritizing his health and well-being, Tuttle emphasized the importance of safety in football. As he steps away from the game, he looks forward to focusing on his future beyond football and is committed to advocating for player safety in the sport.
