ESPN's Bill Connelly predicts Texas A&M vs. Missouri State

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is just five days away, as coach Mike Elko enters Year 3 with even higher expectations after leading the Aggies to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. After a productive preseason, it's clear that, despite losing 15 starters, including a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, this is one of the deepest rosters in Texas A&M history.

No, that is not hyperbole for those who have been following along, as 65% of the 2025 roster, paired with 17 transfer portal additions and the 2026 signing class, makes up a roster filled with NFL-level talent, while redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed continues to serve as the team's lynchpin after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season.

After adding Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4", Texas A&M's wide receiver rotation is widely considered one of the best corps in the country, while four new starting offensive linemen will test the offense early, but Elko is trusting O-line coach Adam Cushing to field the best unit.

On paper, Texas A&M is a massive favorite against Missouri State, looking to send a message before hosting Arizona State in Week 2, and according to ESPN's Bill Connelly, Texas A&M is a 41.5-point favorite to secure the opening-week victory, predicted to win 48-5.

Missouri State scoring five points, which would be a field goal and a safety, is highly unlikely, but pitching a shutout is the goal for the Aggie revamped defensive line, which is looking to make a statement after three 2025 starters, including unanimous All-American Cashius Howell, were selected in the NFL Draft.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN's Bill Connelly predicts Texas A&M vs. Missouri State

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos