Money talks in college football, and at Kyle Field, it spoke loudly. While Miami’s quarterback Carson Beck delivered when it mattered the most with his $2.5 million backing, Texas A&M was left defending quarterback Marcel Reed’s potential instead of production after a 10-3 loss.

Miami’s $500,000 investment in Carson Beck for every completion came into play against Texas A&M, as he made five completions on seven attempts for eight yards in the first half and earned $2.5 million, before finishing with eight of 12 passes for 31 yards by halftime. Then he ended the game by completing 14 of 20 passes for 103 yards with a touchdown, which earned him around $7 million in just one game.

On the other hand, Mike Elko and his team were just left with the hope of a better outcome from Marcel Reed next season.

“He’s still a young quarterback,” Mike Elko said after the game. “I still think there’s a lot of room for development and growth from him. I think he saw major strides this year. But I still think there’s a ceiling there that he’s not close to hitting.”

Despite the hope, struggles were evident. He completed 25 of 39 passes for 237 yards while losing a first-quarter fumble and throwing two second-half interceptions.

But the turning point came on the final drive when Marcel Reed threw his second interception of the game. Reed’s pass went straight behind tight end Melin Ohrstrom, and Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted it in the end zone, which ended the Aggies’ season. Even Reed couldn’t make peace with that throw.

“I got it just over, but it wasn’t in the right spot,” Reed said.

However, it wasn’t all Reed’s fault. The offensive line failed to protect him as the Hurricanes sacked him seven times and forced three total turnovers. The team made just one field goal; that means the passing and running game were dead for almost all of the game. Reed’s season was filled with highs and lows, from entering early Heisman Trophy conversations after their win against Notre Dame and a comeback performance against South Carolina to ending the year with no touchdowns in the final two games, which were the Aggies’ only two losses this season.

Despite that, with Elko, even Aggies offensive coordinator OC Collin Klein praised him for his efforts, making it an emotional moment for the team as he departs for Kansas State.

“Marcel is dear to me,” Klein said after the game. “I couldn’t be more proud of how he has grown into leading that QB unit. It was a joy and an honor coming to work with him. I told him after our first spring scrimmage two years ago that he has a chance to be as good as anybody that’s come through this program. His character and talent are outstanding. The sky is the limit. It’s bittersweet.”

Now, with Marcel Reed’s inconsistent season-ending game, the Aggies also face another setback.

Mike Elko loses a key player against Miami

Texas A&M defensive lineman Albert Regis exits the College Football Playoff game against Miami in the third quarter after suffering an apparent injury at Kyle Field. Now, the injury is still not known, but Regis moved out on his own, which is a positive sign.

But his exit left a big hole in the Aggies’ defense. As of the time of his exit, Regis tied the team lead with six assisted tackles and played a key role in slowing down Miami’s rushing attack. They held the Hurricanes to a total of 85 rushing yards while averaging four yards per carry entering the fourth quarter, showing Regis’ impact on the game.

Losing a player like him cost the Aggies big time, as he appeared in 50 games since coming to college as a three-star recruit. He was recruited by former head coach Jimbo Fisher’s staff and made himself reliable in four seasons.

This season, he made 43 tackles and two sacks and contributed to Texas A&M’s run defense, allowing just 127.1 yards per game while posting 67 total tackles and nine tackles for loss in his Aggies career.

Now, after losing their key player and playoff chance, Texas A&M is hoping for a better 2026 season.