The 2025 season has overall been lucky for Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies. For the first time since 1994, they are starting a season 7-0, and for the second straight year. While Elko and co. were savoring the feeling of being the last remaining undefeated team in the SEC, the conference chose to drop a hammer. Their latest win came against Arkansas, but left a bitter taste with Elko’s boys. The Aggies were fined $50,000 by the SEC for feigning an injury. And obviously, the ruling did not sit well with Elko’s squad as they released a fiery statement. 

On October 21, Texas A&M Football dropped a long write-up with the caption, “In reference to today’s SEC ruling.” A part of it read, “We respect the SEC’s decision and understand the importance of upholding the integrity of the game. While we accept the ruling, we do not agree with the decision and want to be clear that we never coach or instruct our players to feign injury. Texas A&M Football remains firmly committed to the highest standards of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and integrity.” Now, what was the hoopla all about?

The Aggies pulled out a 45-42 victory Saturday over the Razorbacks. However, as soon as they stepped into the fourth quarter, things got heated up between the two teams. The clock struck the 12:55 mark in the fourth quarter, and Arkansas had completed a pass for a first down at the Aggies’ 10-yard line. After the ball was set for the next snap, Elko’s defensive back Tyreek Chappell suddenly dropped to the gridiron to stop play after the ball had already been spotted.

That’s when Steve Shaw, the national coordinator of football officials, took the matter into his own hands. He reviewed the video submitted by the SEC. His findings? Just seconds before Chappell dropped, an Aggie staffer on the sideline appeared on video, “signaling demonstratively to the player, pointing to the ground.” That gesture was enough for the SEC to jump to a conclusion for Elko’s program. Chappell hadn’t been touched on the previous play and showed no signs of discomfort until he sat down, motioning toward his right leg.

With this, Elko’s program was held accountable for a feigning act. A part of the SEC’s statement read, “As determined by the National Coordinator, the action by the player, especially with the concurrent action by the coach in the team area, is a clear attempt to gain an unmerited advantage by stopping the game to be awarded an injury time out.” 

College football introduced monitoring of players taking undue advantage by feigning injury this year itself. Unlucky Aggies, Elko’s program caught the first-time charm. However, Texas A&M alum, Tim England, too, is upset with the SEC, as he tweeted, “I’m sorry This is ridiculous from @SECOfficiating.” Now, will this act be costly for Elko’s long run with Texas A&M? 

Mike Elko’s team’s debut in the offense book increases the burden for him

At the heart of the issue lies a rule designed to curb teams from using fake injuries to disrupt tempo or buy more time. Sadly, Elko and his program got themselves dirtied with this ruling, as the first program. The first offense just included a financial penalty and public reprimand. But if this continues at Texas A&M, it will be hard on Elko.

As Ross Dellenger tweeted, “The SEC, I think for the first time, fines a program under its new “feigning injuries” policy. Texas A&M fined $50,000. A second offense will be $100,000 and any further violations will result in the suspension of coach Mike Elko for the next game.” Now that’s a not-so-good ending for Elko and co. after a heroic feat.

The Aggies traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to face the Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium for the first time since 2013. Analysts had already started having high hopes for Elko. As the lead recruiting expert for the Texas A&M Athletics, Jaxson Callaway tweeted, “Texas A&M is 7-0 for the first time since 1994, and the final unbeaten SEC program. Its only year two under Mike Elko..”

However, the fact that Texas A&M has started to make frequent entries in the offense book is what might loosen Elko’s grounding. Not just on-field penalties, the Aggies fandom also gave the program a hard time. Elko’s squad hosted the Mississippi State Bulldogs at College Station and handed them a 31-9 loss. But in the stands, things took a problematic turn.

On October 4, Texas A&M Police reported: “Public Intoxication X 2. Responded to report of intoxicated subject in men’s restroom near Section 334/335. Called sober friend. Sober friend arrived intoxicated. Arrested. #BTHOmississippistate.” So, only calling plays is not enough. Mike Elko’s job now calls for making sure players follow SEC rules and fans mind their manners.