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Mike Elko's evasiveness about key defender's health raises alarm bells for fans

This could signal some storm clouds on the horizon for Texas A&M fans.
ByGraham Harmon|
Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko looks on prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko looks on prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko was asked in his press conference on Monday about the participation of defensive back Tyreek Chappell in the second half of the Aggies' game against Mississippi State last Saturday, but his answer shows he's playing things close to the vest:

Chappell has been one of the best defenders for the Aggies so far this season. His absence after a game-two injury in 2024 played a big role in the pass defense struggles that the Ags had last season, and he's played at a high level so far in his return this season.

The fifth-year defensive back out of Philadelphia approaches elite level when it comes to pass coverage, and he's also not afraid to lay the wood when he's making a tackle, whether in the open field or in run support. Losing him would be a big blow to the Aggies' defense, without a doubt.

Mike Elko's answer about Tyreek Chappell's availability is opaque, which could be a bad sign for Texas A&M fans

Florida hasn't exactly been the best pass offense in the world this year, but they put some stuff on tape last week that will make Aggie fans want to be at full strength against their aerial attack this weekend. Losing Chappell would affect that, pretty obviously.

All that said, Jordan Shaw did an admirable job filling in for Chappell when he got to see the field. Shaw missed the first two games with an injury and has seen limited snaps since then, but even as Elko indicated in his answer, getting him more involved was at least partially by designβ€” and that's thanks to his ability as a defensive back.

This also could simply be in reference to a minor injury that the Aggies decided to exercise caution on with A&M's defense absolutely suffocating the Bulldogs all day. Chappell could be ready to go this week, but this answer was a little bit intriguing given that he had no follow up.

The initial Student-Athlete Availability Report for this game will be released tonight, and A&M fans ought to keep a close eye on there to see if Chappell appears. Hopefully, he's all clear to go this weekendβ€” the Aggies need him.

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