After a stellar 2025 season with a senior-laden squad, Texas A&M football is moving into the third year of the Elko era in a very strong position— but that hasn't stopped naysayers from nitpicking last year's results. You'll find no shortage of people claiming that last year's 11-win record was a fluke and the Aggies were more a result of schedule than their own quality.
That is a foolish point, of course, as the Aggies ended with one of the top strengths of record in any metric you care to mention. The common idea, though, is that the Aggies are bound to take a step back in 2026 thanks to roster turnover and a tougher slate.
New data suggests that may be the opposite of what happens, as a matter of fact. Per the returning production number, Texas A&M could in fact be one of the country's most improved teams next year— which would be a scary sight for the rest of the nation.
Texas A&M boasts a top-15 rate of returning production in the nation
Returning production is one of the top predictors of team improvement from year to year; it's no coincidence that when the Aggies were one of the best teams in the metric last season, they moved forward by leaps and bounds in the win column.
Now, the Aggies are right back there. Bill Connelly has released his updated returning production numbers for next season, and the Aggies are the 14th-best in the nation. Only South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, and Florida are ahead of the Aggies in the SEC here.
* Irish are No. 1 (most of 2025's CFP Almosts look good)
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) March 23, 2026
* Total transfusions at ISU, JMU, Memphis, etc.
* Nat'l averages continue to plummet (more for G6 than P4, of course)
* (Yes, this accounts for transfers)
2026 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RETURNING PRODUCTION: https://t.co/85GMj85yEp
This metric considers transfer players as well, so it is a testament to the great work Mike Elko and his staff have done through the portal. If the Aggies' improvement from the end of 2024 to the end of 2025 was a positive, then it will be even more so this upcoming year.
If that is indeed the case, then don't doubt Texas A&M's ability to get to double-digit wins once again in the regular season. A&M has a gauntlet without a doubt, but their experience will help them outlast the intimidating matchups they have ahead.