Texas A&M Quarterback Battle Heats Up Ahead of 2025 Season
With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, one of the hottest topics in College Station is the quarterback battle unfolding at Texas A&M. Head coach Mike Elko and offensive coordinator Collin Klein are carefully evaluating a deep and talented QB room that could define the Aggies’ offensive identity for the upcoming season.
Leading the competition is sophomore Marcel Reed, a dual-threat quarterback who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season. His athleticism and playmaking ability outside the pocket make him a dynamic option, especially in Klein’s adaptable offensive system. However, Reed faces stiff competition from freshman phenom AJ Barnes, an early enrollee who has quickly impressed coaches with his poise, arm strength, and football IQ.
Also in the mix is veteran signal-caller Max Johnson, whose experience and leadership provide a stabilizing presence. While Johnson may lack the flashy traits of Reed or Barnes, his ability to read defenses and manage the game gives him a strong case for the starting role—particularly in high-pressure conference matchups.
Coach Elko has emphasized that the position will be earned through performance, not reputation. “We’re going to let this competition play out,” Elko said after spring practice. “It’s about consistency, leadership, and who gives us the best chance to win.”
The battle is expected to carry into fall camp, with each quarterback getting meaningful reps. While it’s rare to see a true QB rotation in the SEC, the Aggies may use multiple quarterbacks early in the season to evaluate their best long-term option.
With an elite group of receivers and a revamped offensive line, whoever wins the job will inherit a strong supporting cast. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this quarterback competition could shape Texas A&M’s trajectory in the 2025 SEC race.
