Mike Elko came in as the Aggies’ head coach and, in just one season, showed what the program is capable of achieving. The team first time since 1988, went 5-0 in the SEC and slayed opponents like LSU and Florida. However, the head coach lost his form later in the season, with losses coming against Texas and Hugh Freeze’s Auburn. Still, they got Marcel Reed in the process, who exceeded expectations and showed his prowess against top opponents like the Gators and LSU. Those performances have touted the QB to be one of the topmost in production in the 2025 season, which again is generating its rewards.

A four-star recruit from Nashville in the Aggies’ 2023 class, the hype wasn’t always there to begin with. The QB was the 148th overall player in the country and was considered a mere depth piece for the Aggies. Yet, his athleticism and potential became quite evident to Mike Elko after he started showing his brilliance. Even when Reed entered the 2024 season, Wiegman was the starter, but the former’s dual-threat prowess finally started to show signs of grandeur. The QB finished the season with 1,864 yards, along with 547 rushing yards, and is looking to take his performances up a notch in 2025. All these things have resulted in Marcel Reed getting paid off the field.

As per recent reports by On3, the Texas A&M QB has inked a fresh deal with a private jet company, ENG Aviation Group, and has become the 4th QB in college football to do so. Marcel Reed shared his excitement about the latest deal. “I’m really excited to team up with ENG Aviation,” Reed said in a statement. “It’s an honor to work with a local Texas company that’s doing something so important—helping save lives through organ donation. Their mission to save lives is something I wanted to join in on, and for us, this isn’t just a sponsorship—it’s a chance to make a real difference together, and I’m all in.” Reed fully deserves the opportunity, considering his $453,000 NIL value.

Take, for example, Reed’s Week 4 performance against Bowling Green, where he completed 15 of the 27 passes and passed for 178 yards. Moreover, his performance in the Southwest Classic, where he produced 91 rushing and 163 passing yards, is still memorable. All these moments have made the QB quite popular within the college football world, and that’s the reason the QB has earned this deal.

However, this isn’t the first time Reed has grabbed an NIL deal. Previously, the QB has signed several deals with Texas A&M’s United NIL collective and with companies like Hellmann’s, Mayo, and Hey Dude. Moving on, the fans are reacting to On3’s post after Reed’s latest NIL move.

Fans react to the latest news about Marcel Reed

Marcel Reed has joined the other 3 QBs, Carson Beck, Jaxson Dart, and Quinn Ewers, who also have landed deals with the ENG Aviation Group. Through this deal, Reed will gain access to the private jets of the company but will also have the responsibility to educate the public about organ donations. This is because the aviation group is primarily roping Reed to be the brand ambassador for their ENG Organ Recovery initiative.

One of the users reacted to the post by On3 and showed faith in the QB. “Bro, you better perform this year. I have faith in you.” While another user wasn’t too optimistic about the QB and questioned the company for roping him, considering the Aggies finished 8-4 last season. “That’s an expensive 8-4.” Well, expensive or not, the QB is starting with the stints that are required with the deal and will visit a hospital in Houston to meet organ donors and recipients for the organization’s initiative. Still, people don’t seem impressed with the move.

One of the users wrote, “Your value is whatever someone is willing to pay you, but private jet deals for mediocre college QBs, Dart the only one above average, is insane. Good on the players, though.” While another person questioned the company’s decision and projected the Aggies’ doom in 2025. “To go 6-6 ?” Contrary to the opinions, Reed is undoubtedly a top player in CFB right now and has a full career ahead of him. This is one of the reasons why the aviation company may have decided to rope in the QB as its ambassador.

As for the 2025 season, the Aggies, with their recruitment and Mike Elko’s direction and culture, will surely exceed all expectations. The head coach has roped in an impressive 7th-ranked class nationally, which includes two 5-star and 17 blue-chip prospects. Moreover, Mike Elko has also roped in 14 high-profile transfers. For instance, the addition of Mario Craver (WR) from Mississippi State and Jordan Shaw (CB) from Washington is a breath of fresh air and will bolster the squad in many ways. All these additions have the potential to change the Aggies’ fortunes, finally.