USA TODAY includes Texas A&M QB as Heisman Trophy 'sleeper'
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Texas A&M’s hopes of getting back to the College Football Playoff hinges redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who, after throwing 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, will be heavily counted on to take another step as a pocket passer, as his 12 interceptions were tied for second most in the SEC last season, while four of his turnovers came in losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
No matter how much Reed struggled in both losses, the former four-star prospect and Tennessee native is still considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, and before his late-season struggles, Reed was a Heisman Trophy finalist for a majority of the year, and enters the 2026 campaign with 13 career starts, which is the second most in the SEC behind South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers.
One of the more skilled athletes in the conference, new OC Holmon Wiggins will have his work cut out for him as a first-time playcaller, and while Reed thrived as a pocket passer for a majority of the season, his ability in the open field, producing over 500 yards rushing and six scores, must be utilized efficiently.
Among the other SEC quarterbacks, including Arch Manning (Texas) and Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Marcel Reed is in the Heisman conversation, but is considered a “sleeper” candidate. According to USA TODAY’s Blake Toppemeyer, Reed is No. 1 on the list of sleeper picks for the prestigious award, entering the 2026 season with 25-to-1 odds, per BetMGM.
“I’m a sucker for dual-threat quarterbacks when predicting Heisman contenders. Reed oozes charisma, and he established recognition with voters after taking Texas A&M to the College Football Playoff last season. He’s blessed with a good group of wide receivers. A Black Friday clash against Texas and Manning will be a prime opportunity to impress before ballots are collected in December. He must reduce his interceptions and improve his play versus top competition.”
You can’t not like Marcel Reed as a human being, but charisma doesn’t translate into wins, and, as Toppemeyer stated, Reed must cut down on his interceptions while becoming a plus player against stiffer competition late in the year. While defeating Texas for the first time will be the focus, getting through what is a tough 2026 road schedule will require the veteran QB to play his best football and avoid mental mistakes.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: USA TODAY includes Texas A&M QB as Heisman Trophy ‘sleeper’
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