The Texas A&M Aggies kick off their season in just 12 days, and after making program history by reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time EVER last year, all eyes are on them. They’re hosting Missouri State to start things off, but this isn’t some easy warm-up. Missouri State is rolling into Kyle Field with a totally new offense, led by a battle-tested fifth-year quarterback and a veteran offensive coordinator. This Week 1 matchup is our first look at what Mike Elko’s 2026 squad is truly made of. Can they keep that historic momentum going? It all starts here.
Missouri State’s Defense Is Bringing the Heat
First up, Missouri State’s D. Coordinated by Jack Curtis, they run a mix of 4-3 and 4-2-5 schemes. Last season, they ended up seventh in Conference USA, giving up 28.8 points per game. Not exactly a shutdown unit, but they were ninth against the rush and eighth defending the pass. They also brought the heat, racking up 24 sacks and grabbing eight interceptions, flashing talent in their secondary during their first FBS campaign. Keep an eye on fifth-year linebacker Jared Lloyd. This dude is a beast, leading his team with 77 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. This unit prides itself on physicality and attacking the football. That’s a real test for A&M’s new-look offensive line. Expect these guys to come out flying, trying to rattle A&M from the first snap.
Skyler Lockyear’s Offense Is Ready to Explode
Now, let’s flip to the other side. Missouri State’s offense could get spicy. Mark Cala is stepping in as the new play-caller in Springfield, bringing his high-octane veer-and-shoot style. Get this: this guy isn’t some rookie. He’s got a killer coaching background, working under Kendal Briles and molding signal-callers like Josh Hoover and KJ Jefferson. That’s pedigree! He’s putting his trust in fifth-year UTEP transfer Skyler Lockyear, who just won the starting job in fall camp. Lockyear isn’t new to lighting up scoreboards; he threw for 1,418 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025, and he’s a proven 3,000-yard passer. Last year, their offense was sixth in Conference USA, averaging 392.2 total yards per game. But with Cala and Lockyear running the show? They’re gunning to crack the top five. This duo has the experience and firepower to surprise some folks.
So, what’s the bottom line for Week 1? Even though Missouri State is on the rise in Conference USA, the official score prediction is a pretty decisive Texas A&M 56, Missouri State 10. Ouch. Why such a one-sided forecast? Well, A&M’s junior quarterback Marcel Reed has been absolutely killing it in fall camp, showing drastic improvements. And don’t forget that Aggies defensive unit, especially that D-line, which has been flashing serious dominance. It also helps that Missouri State was one of the worst defenses against the run in college football last season. That’s like music to the ears of A&M running backs like Rueben Owens II and Jamarion Morrow, who are probably licking their chops. This game might look like a blowout on paper, but it’s still the season opener. Anything can happen! Get ready, folks, because that kickoff is coming fast!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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