What to Expect from Texas A&M Football in 2023

Texas A&M football has the most ambiguous potential 2023-2024 season out of any program in the country. Just a season after recruiting the highest rated recruiting class in history, the Aggies fell to the lowest record they have had since 2008, where they went 4-8 in the first year of Mike Sherman’s tenure. With many changes made in the offseason, the Aggies have the potential makings of a fantastic revenge story, but still run the risk of returning to mediocrity, bound to put head Coach Jimbo Fisher in hot water. So what might happen?

What could go right for Texas A&M football?

Despite going 5-7 in 2022, Texas A&M football is ranked 23rd in the AP Top 25 poll for the 2023 season. Why is that? The Aggies have one of the best production return rates in the country, leading the SEC with 80% of all production returning, including 82% of offense and 77% of defense. Yes, many players did enter the transfer portal, but as for season production, they accounted for very little. Experience is a huge factor in elevating a team especially in positions like offensive line and quarterback, and returning 80% of the production of a team is very rare and will have a massive impact on the field next week. There is a lot to be excited about in many of the returning players and we could see breakout seasons from multiple players throughout the year.

Jimbo Fisher also made a massive change in his coaching this offseason, by handing the offensive reins to new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Jimbo Fisher has historically called his own plays in-game, but many have recently said that his offensive style was outdated and were calling for him to give up his duties. Fisher then hired Petrino, a former head coach at Arkansas and Louisville, to take over play calling duties. Petrino, despite his controversies, has had incredible success as a play caller. In 16 of his 20 seasons as a coach, he has averaged over 400 yards of offense, and has averaged 30 points per game 15 times. The Aggies only averaged 23 points per game and 360 yards per game in 2022 which led to a 5-7 season; however if you added 1 more touchdown to each game to match Petrino’s track record, the Aggies would have finished 10-2. This offense is loaded with talent, featuring a young quarterback in Connor Weigman who displayed massive amounts of potential last season, a fantastic wide receiver core lead by Moose Muhammad, Evan Stewart, and Ainias Smith, and tons of talent at running back with 5 star Rueben Owens joining former 4 star Le’veon Moss and Amari Daniels. If Petrino can implement a solid game plan, Texas A&M has a ton of weapons to put points on the board this season.