Mike Elko has done absolute wonders for Aggieland. In just 14 months on the job, he’s proven there are levels to coaching, and he’s doing it in the toughest conference in the country, the SEC. The Aggies are one of only two undefeated teams in the SEC (6-0) and currently the highest-ranked SEC squad at No. 4, sitting above Ole Miss (No. 5) and Alabama (No. 6). Elko also became the first Texas A&M head coach to start 3-0 in SEC play in back-to-back seasons since the Aggies joined the conference in 2012. No wonder Aggieland loves the man so much. Mike Elko is doing everything in his power to protect his players, on and off the field, especially when it comes to their mental health.

On October 15, Texas A&M Aggies insider Travis Brown hopped onto X and spilled the tea about Mike Elko’s new mental health program to protect the players: “Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said on his weekly radio show that the program has started a Friday support group for the guys who are out injured, where they can all come together and sit down with the department’s mental health professionals and talk about where they’re at mentally each week.” This program, which includes the department’s mental health professionals, provides a dedicated and safe space for players to discuss their mental and emotional well-being as they navigate the challenges of recovery. Aggieland just got another reason to love Mike Elko.

In college sports, injuries can be very isolating and stressful for athletes. Players not only deal with physical pain and tough rehab but also feel disconnected from their team and unsure about their future on the field. The Friday support group helps with these issues by reminding players they are not alone. It keeps them connected to the team and helps them stay mentally strong during their time off. Mike Elko has always cared about his players.

Under his leadership, the Aggies take part in campus traditions like The Big Event, the largest student-run service project at Texas A&M. For two years in a row, every player on the team has joined other students to help the local community with work like yard work and home repairs. Elko’s leadership and focus on character were also recognized after Texas A&M’s upset win over No. 8 Notre Dame last month.

He even received The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Award, which typically honors college football coaches who succeed on the field and in off-field activities such as promoting scholarship, leadership, and integrity. With the Aggies traveling to Arkansas, Travis Brown uploaded an update on KC Concepcion’s injury status.

KC Concepcion’s update for Razorbacks weekend

Good news for Texas A&M fans — according to Brown, Aggies Insider, wide receiver KC Concepcion was not listed on the team’s availability report ahead of Saturday’s game against Arkansas. Concepcion has been dealing with a hamstring issue that limited him in the second half against Florida, but his return is a positive sign for the Aggies’ offense. It’s still unclear whether he’ll play a full game or be limited in snaps, but his aura alone gives their QB Marcel Reed another dangerous weapon to work with.

Concepcion has been one of the most explosive players for Texas A&M this season, leading the team in receiving touchdowns and making big plays both as a receiver and a returner. He’s hauled in 28 catches for 447 yards and 5 touchdowns. His 80-yard punt return for a touchdown in the season opener against UTSA remains one of the highlights of the year for the Aggies. If he’s able to play close to full strength, he could give the Razorbacks a run for their money.

However, the team will have to adjust to the loss of starting running back Le’Veon Moss, who has been ruled out for the Arkansas game. Moss’s absence means more pressure on the Aggies’ passing attack and depth in the backfield. Also, tight end Kiotti Armstrong is listed as questionable, leaving Texas A&M with some uncertainty heading into the matchup. Even so, with Concepcion likely available, the Aggies’ offense still has plenty of firepower.