This factor could send Texas A&M football to CFP, says Bleacher Report

You’ve probably heard this a million times over the past couple of seasons — the Texas A&M football program feels like it’s one piece away from being a true College Football Playoff contender. I’ve touched on this before, as virtually every writer around the program has.

This was most evident in the 2020 season when Texas A&M had just a single loss to Alabama but ultimately fell short of the playoff. I’d make the argument that they were snubbed, but that’s neither here nor there.

It’s a pretty vague statement, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees with the fact that A&M is a piece away from success. But what exactly is that piece? Bleacher Report‘s Brad Shepard thinks he might know.

Bleacher Report’s Brad Shepard thinks the Texas A&M football team could be a CFP contender if it finds a way to involve its freshman class

There are a few theories on what the Aggies might need to truly contend. Some believe that a single quarterback could vault them to the next level, while others believe the issues are deeper than that. B/R’s Brad Shepard thinks it might be simpler than both of those. Here’s what he said in reference to one piece that A&M would need to make a playoff run.

"The Aggies should be much-improved with all of this incoming talent. If they can find a great signal-caller between Weigman, Johnson and Haynes King, who was the starter over Zach Calzada before he suffered a season-ending leg injury only two games into the season, they could have a big year."

When Shepard talks about incoming talent, he’s referring to A&M’s incoming class, including transfer quarterback Max Johnson. He immediately gets into the competition, which should undoubtedly bring the best out of every member of the battle.

Shepard continues, elaborating on how many players could have an immediate impact.

"A dozen or more of A&M’s newcomers could be ready to play right away. Though they’re sure to go through some growing pains, this is the kind of recruiting class than can lead to a championship."

While he didn’t mention any players specifically, a shortlist of guys who could immediately contribute includes any of the seven five-star freshmen set to join campus as well as some four-star early enrollees who are in positions of need.

With this class, Texas A&M has everything it could need to make a College Football Playoff run.