Mike Elko’s first year with the Texas A&M Aggies was full of promise, setbacks, and, ultimately, some hope for the future. After taking over a program with high expectations but inconsistent results, Elko delivered some key improvements, though not without challenges.
The Aggies showed potential early in the season, but injuries and missed opportunities left them with a mixed record. Here’s a breakdown of how his first season played out and what to expect moving forward.
Mike Elko’s Strong Start in Year 1
Elko is quick to make an impact, especially when he earned attention during SEC Media Days. Texas A&M, a program known for its impressive recruiting, has historically fallen short of meeting those expectations, but Elko’s early results were encouraging.
Eight wins was the most for the Aggies since 2021, and the five SEC wins matched 2018 as the most in over a decade. This marked a significant improvement, particularly considering the Aggies had been absent from the CFP rankings for the past two seasons.
Elko’s most notable achievement was his success in recruiting, with a marked improvement in year-over-year performance.
However, not everything went smoothly, as the Aggies’ late-season collapse dampened the overall outlook. “Losing four of their last five games really curtailed his grade here,” CSN’s Oli Hodgkinson wrote in his piece grading every first-year hire last season.
The Aggies’ early-season momentum was cut short due to injuries, most notably the season-ending knee injury to star running back Le’Veon Moss.
This injury was a turning point in the season, as it weakened the team’s offense. The Aggie’s 7-1 start and 5-0 standing in SEC play ended in disappointment.
MORE: Elko Takes a Shot At His Own Pass Defense Following Embarrassing Loss
With Moss sidelined, the offense struggled to find its rhythm, and Reed was forced to shift his role.
While the end of the season was a letdown, Elko made a series of strategic decisions in the offseason that showed his commitment to the team’s long-term growth.
Elko opted to retain much of the coaching staff, maintaining some level of continuity for the team.
Elko Focused on Areas of Improvement
However, one key move was hiring Lyle Hemphill, the former defensive coordinator from James Madison, which led to speculation about the future of defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. However, he said:
“Bateman will remain with the program even if he does not call defensive plays in 2025.”
Alongside this, Elko took advantage of the transfer portal, bringing in 14 new players and securing key players like Moss and all five starting offensive linemen. This focus on bolstering the offense should give the Aggies a better chance at success in 2024.
Looking toward the future, Elko’s team should be more competitive next season, but there are still areas that need attention. The retention of Moss and the solidifying of the offensive line should lead to improvements on that side of the ball.
However, one glaring issue remains: the interior defensive line. While Elko has made strides in strengthening the team’s overall roster, this particular position group needs improvement for the Aggies to be more balanced and effective.
Overall, Elko’s first season at Texas A&M can be considered a step in the right direction, but there are still areas for growth. The early-season success was impressive, and the Aggies managed to secure a respectable eight-win season.
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