Teammates defend QB Marcel Reed after tough Texas A&M loss

Texas A&M's 31-21 home loss to Kentucky was a shock to everyone outside of Kyle Field, as the Wildcats built up a 28-7 lead in the second half, controlling the clock and running the ball efficiently, leaving the Aggies little time for a comeback, especially after starting quarterback Marcel Reed threw his second interception late in the fourth quarter.

My opinion regarding Reed's future in College Station hasn't changed or wavered, but what I believe is less important than that of the players who share a locker room and battle every Saturday with the second-year starter, including junior wide receiver Mario Craver, who reeled in a career-high 11 receptions against the Wildcats, leading all wide receivers with 119 yards, and defended his quarterback during Tuesday's press conference.

Likely headed to the NFL after the 2026 season, Craver reportedly asked first-year OC Holmon Wiggins for more targets, especially early in the game, and while Marcel Reed completed just 53% of his passes, including zero completions on 20-plus yard attempts, he routinely found Craver, who ran a variety of routes, which must continue for the Aggies to have any shot at saving the season.

“Honestly, Marcel, throughout the (off)season, I told you he's got a lot better, and I'm not going to (go) back on that. Like he's definitely got a lot better in every aspect of the game. I think last week he just got in his head a little bit and let the game get away from him a little bit…”

Coach Mike Elko said after the loss that Marcel Reed was "pressing," similar to pitchers' inability to stay consistent when their minds take over. How can the coaching staff fix this? Let Reed play free with zero regrets, knowing the fan base will love or hate him based on every outcome going forward.

Senior linebacker Daymion Sanford was also asked about Marcel Reed's poor play against Kentucky, providing an interesting response that has already been picked apart.

“What I've seen in practice, he's been commanding and leading, so I feel like I'm pretty confident in him to go out there and perform.”

"I feel like I'm pretty confident" is certainly an interesting way to put it, but after making his debut this season, Sanford and the rest of the linebacker rotation must improve against the run and perform much better in coverage if the Aggies have any real shot at defeating LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday night.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Teammates defend QB Marcel Reed after tough Texas A&M loss