Texas A&M vs. Missouri State: Five things to watch in season opener

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It is almost time for kickoff at Kyle Field for the 2026 campaign, which means Texas A&M football will get to see what areas need to be improved and what their strengths are, as they look to make a run in Mike Elko's third year as the head coach.

The Aggies will face the Missouri State Bears, who are coming off their first season at the FBS Level in 2025, when they went 7-6 and appeared in the Xbox Bowl against Arkansas State. Former SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods is entering his first game at the helm of the Bears this weekend, with a completely renovated team. UTEP transfer Skyler Locklear has been named the starter, as he looks to pick up where Jacob Clark left off.

Here are five things to watch in Texas A&M's season opener against Missouri State on Saturday:

How will Texas A&M's offensive line mesh in Game 1?

Like Missouri State, Texas A&M's offensive line lost much production at the end of the 2025 season. The lone returning starter up front this year is center Mark Nabou Jr., who is a preseason All-SEC selection. Elko dipped into the transfer portal and got three linemen with SEC experience: Wilkin Formby (Alabama), Trovon Baugh (South Carolina), Tyree Adams (LSU) and Coen Echols (LSU).

This will be our first look at this new offensive line, as they look to protect Marcel Reed and pave the way for the talented running back room to establish success on the ground.

How much has Marcel Reed improved this offseason?

Reed is the only returning starting quarterback in the SEC who ranked top three in passing yards, rushing yards, total yards, passing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and quarterback rating. He helped lead Texas A&M to its first College Football Playoff appearance, yet he is still tabbed as inconsistent.

According to reports from fall camp, Reed has looked like the best player on the field and continues to impress the coaching staff, his teammates and the Texas A&M media members. We likely won't see Reed for the entire game, but it will be integral for the junior to show his growth at the helm against the Bears.

Who will emerge as the next game wrecker on the Aggie defensive line?

There's no more Cashius Howell, Tyler Onyedim or Albert Regis. Still, Elko has a couple of returners who've flashed in fall camp and an extremely talented transfer edge rusher, who was put on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List."

Most of the talk about the defensive line has been focused on Northwestern's Anto Saka, who has made waves with his physical attributes and performances during fall camp. The group has the personnel to have another outstanding campaign in 2026.

Missouri State's offensive line has three new starters, after ranking 135th in FBS in sacks allowed last season. Texas A&M's defensive line could have a massive game and get some guys like five-star freshman Bryce Perry-Wright some reps in the season opener.

Will the Holmon Wiggins transition go smoothly?

Wiggins spent the last two seasons in Aggieland as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Now, he will be the primary playcaller for Texas A&M's offense, which ranked 23rd in the nation in total offense under Collin Klein last year.

In the offseason, the returning stars on the offensive side of the ball stated there won't be many differences in overall scheme. Still, what will the transition from Klein to Wiggins' coaching style look like once this team hits the field? Missouri State has experienced talent in the secondary, but the Aggies are still facing one of the worst defenses in the country. This contest should allow Wiggins to settle in and establish his playmakers before a massive non-conference showdown against Arizona State in Week 2.

Can Rueben Owens II continue his dominance in 2026?

When his number was called, Owens stepped up massively for the Aggies last season. Despite sharing reps and starting time with former Aggie running back Le'Veon Moss, the senior from El Campo has recorded 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns in 27 career games.

Wiggins will lean on Owens to establish dominance on the ground as Texas A&M's solidified starter in 2026. This season-opening matchup against the Bears, who ranked 76th in the FBS with 153.31 rushing yards allowed per game in 2025, should allow him to set the tone early.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Missouri State: Five things to watch in season opener

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