Texas A&M-Missouri State Pregame: Opens 2026 With Big Questions Against Missouri State Bears
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Texas A&M football enters Saturday’s season opener against Missouri State with something Mike Elko’s program hasn’t carried very often: legitimate national championship expectations.
The No. 8 Aggies are coming off an 11-2 season and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance, but their 2026 opener at Kyle Field isn’t simply about beating an overmatched Missouri State team.
MORE: How to Watch Texas A&M Football Opener vs. Missouri State: Marcel Reed's the Focus
Texas A&M needs to begin answering several questions that could determine whether last season was a breakthrough or merely a preview.
It starts with Marcel Reed.
Reed started all 13 games last season, completing 234 of 377 passes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. His 62.1 percent completion rate came with 12 interceptions, however, making consistency one of the biggest areas to watch.
Reed also rushed for 493 yards and six scores, giving Texas A&M a quarterback capable of changing games with both his arm and legs.
Saturday provides Reed an opportunity to establish control from the opening drive. The bigger concern may be directly in front of him.
Texas A&M returns only center Mark Nabou Jr. from last season’s starting offensive line. Elko acknowledged during game week that the Aggies were still working to identify their best five-man combination.
Transfers and younger players will fill the remaining spots, making pass protection and run blocking major early-season storylines.
Then there’s Mario Craver.
Craver returns after catching 59 passes for 917 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. His speed gives Reed an established explosive weapon, and Craver has been clear about what he wants from the offense: fewer penalties, fewer negative plays and a faster, cleaner operation.
That matters after Texas A&M finished near the bottom nationally in penalties per game last season. Missouri State shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
Veteran quarterback Skyler Locklear gives the Bears experience, while receiver Jmariyae Robinson returns after leading Missouri State with 44 receptions for 632 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The Bears went 7-6 during their first year at the FBS level.
Still, Saturday’s measuring stick isn’t simply whether Texas A&M wins.
MORE: Texas A&M’s Terry Bussey Could Be Marcel Reed’s New X-Factor
A top-10 team playing at Kyle Field against Missouri State should control the line of scrimmage, avoid sloppy mistakes, create explosive plays and get its backups meaningful work.
Texas A&M proved last year it could reach the playoff. Saturday begins the process of proving the Aggies can become something more.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos