Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies are playing some of the best football in the SEC, if not the best. After finishing the 2024 campaign at 8-5 and losing four of their last five games, Mike Elko and the Aggies have stepped up big time and decided to make a stellar run in the 2025 campaign. The Aggies are one of only two teams in the SEC that remain undefeated, and Mike Elko’s wife made sure to give her props to the Aggies.

On October 12, Mike Elko’s wife, Michelle Elko, hopped onto X and gave flowers to A&M following their win against Billy Napier’s Florida Gators: “So proud of our boys. #ElkoEra,” with a graphic picture of a 6-0 record. It’s their best start to the season since 2016. They are currently ranked 4th in the latest AP Poll, the highest in the SEC, ahead of Ole Miss (5th) and Alabama (6th). Unlike the 2024 season, the Aggies are actually good on both sides of the football. The offense is averaging 34.7 points per game, and the defense is allowing just 3.4 yards per carry.

Their resumes and wins are stacked. The Aggies have already beaten 3 pre-season ranked teams so far. The Aggieland never looked this good in a very long time. Their most impressive win came against former national runner-up Notre Dame on the road. They went to South Bend and manhandled Marcus Freeman’s squad while also beating SEC powerhouses like Hugh Freeze’s Auburn Tigers, Mississippi State, and Florida Gators. Right now, many analysts believe Mike Elko and the Aggies have a real shot at making the playoffs, thanks to Marcel Reed and the Aggies’ defense.

Marcel Reed has been playing like the Heisman is already owed to him. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 1,490 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just four interceptions through the first six games of the season. Even their running game is performing at the same level. According to Texas A&M Athletics, the Aggies tallied 417 yards of total offense, including 183 on the ground, in their recent victory against Florida. Their defense also deserves major credit. Texas A&M has allowed opponents to convert on just 2 of 33 third-down attempts. Defensive end Cashius Howell leads the SEC with 8 sacks, tying for the national lead.

Looking ahead, Texas A&M faces a critical stretch of three consecutive road games, including matchups against Arkansas, LSU, and Missouri. Their next challenge is against Arkansas on October 18 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The biggest concern for the Aggies is how well they can navigate the second half of the season. Last year, they were 7-1 at one point but collapsed by losing four of their last five games. The stakes are at an all-time high, and this demanding stretch will test the Aggies’ resilience and determine their path to potential postseason success.

However, when you are coaching as good as Mike Elko, especially in a conference like the SEC, some big-time struggling programs are always willing to break the bank for you.

Penn State Nittany Lions keeping their tabs on Mike Elko

Penn State just fired James Franklin after starting the 2025 season 3-3 — their worst start since 2007. The move makes sense because Franklin had a long history of underperforming in big games, and this season’s losses to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern sealed his fate. But the firing doesn’t just affect Penn State — it has ripple effects across college football, especially for Texas A&M. That’s because their head coach, Mike Elko, has become one of the hottest names in the country after leading the Aggies to a 6-0 start. Naturally, when a major job like Penn State opens up, people start connecting the dots. Penn State might even pay more than $8.5 million for coaches like Mike Elko.

Some fans and analysts have already speculated that Elko could be a strong candidate for the Nittany Lions. He has deep East Coast roots — he’s from New Jersey, played college football at Penn, and has recruited that region successfully in the past. On paper, it looks like a great fit for Penn State. But despite the chatter, there’s zero indication that Elko wants to leave. He’s built early success at Texas A&M, has the program trending upward, and has become a perfect culture fit in College Station.

Elko’s family has also publicly expressed how much they love living in College Station and being part of the Aggie community. Coaches rarely leave a good situation when they’re winning and their family’s happy. So even though Penn State’s search might include his name, Aggie fans don’t need to panic. Mike Elko isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.