The 2024 football season was a challenging one for Texas A&M, marked by highs and lows. Under head coach Mike Elko, the Aggies initially appeared to be strong contenders for the College Football Playoff (CFP), even after an early loss to Notre Dame. However, their season unraveled toward the end, with late losses to Auburn and Texas costing them a chance at the SEC Championship and a CFP berth.
A significant factor in Texas A&M’s uneven season was ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position. Conner Weigman, who had been dealing with an injury early in the year, was eventually benched in favor of redshirt freshman Marcel Reed. Despite some promising performances, the quarterback situation remained a source of drama, culminating in Weigman’s decision to enter the transfer portal after the season ended.
Reed, who took over for the latter half of the season, showed flashes of potential. He threw for 1,572 yards with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions while also showcasing his mobility with 501 rushing yards and six touchdowns. As a dual-threat quarterback, Reed carried the ball 107 times (including sacks), highlighting his versatility but also his susceptibility to injury. Despite Reed’s emergence, Texas A&M is adding competition to the quarterback room for 2025.
One significant addition is former UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno, who committed to Texas A&M. Zeno began his career at Baylor before transferring to UAB, where he delivered a solid 2023 campaign with 3,126 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 168 rushing yards. However, his 2024 season was cut short after just four games due to a medical issue, which allowed him to use a redshirt and enter the transfer portal.
Zeno’s arrival brings valuable experience to the Aggies’ quarterback group. While Reed is expected to remain the starter heading into the 2025 preseason, Zeno provides a veteran presence capable of pushing Reed during camp and serving as a reliable backup. This depth will be critical for Texas A&M, especially given Reed’s playing style as a running quarterback, which carries a higher risk of injury compared to pocket passers.
The addition of Zeno could help Reed grow in his second year as the primary quarterback while also giving the Aggies a dependable option if Reed is unable to play. As Texas A&M looks to bounce back from a frustrating 2024 campaign, the enhanced competition and depth at quarterback might be a key to future success.