Texas A&M has secured the No. 8 spot in ESPN’s 2025 College Football Power Index (FPI), a placement that has surprised many analysts and fans alike. This ranking is notably higher than their positions in other preseason polls, where the Aggies often appear in the late teens or 20s.
The FPI is a predictive metric developed by ESPN to estimate team strength and forecast performance. It considers factors such as returning starters, recruiting classes, past performance, and schedule difficulty. Texas A&M’s elevated ranking suggests optimism about their potential in the upcoming season.
Under head coach Mike Elko, entering his second season, the Aggies aim to build upon their 8–5 record from 2024. Despite a strong start last season, they lost four of their final five games, including a 35–31 loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl. However, victories over top-10 teams like Missouri and LSU indicate the team’s capability to compete at a high level.
Analysts have expressed skepticism about the Aggies’ high FPI ranking. ESPN’s Jake Trotter labeled Texas A&M as potentially “overvalued,” noting that the team ranked 51st in offensive Expected Points Added (EPA) and 47th in defensive EPA last season. He also highlighted that the Aggies have achieved double-digit wins only once since 2000.
The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Texas A&M to validate their FPI ranking. With a roster featuring talented players and a coaching staff led by Elko, the Aggies have the potential to make a significant impact in the SEC and contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
