After earning a prestigious honor, Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell joined one of the rarest groups in program history

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Texas A&M is in the College Football Playoff for the first time, taking a huge step toward contending for a national championship after years of coming up short. But the Aggies certainly aren’t content just to be in the playoff.

Kentucky is expected to hire Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman as its new defensive coordinator.

Marcel Reed and the No. 7 seed Texas A&M Aggies host the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the College Football Playoff. They're looking to bounce back after closing out the regular season with a 27-17 loss to the Texas Longhorns.

On its face, Texas A&M's 2026 football schedule provides the Aggies a clear path to making it back to the College Football Playoff.

After allowing 40 points to Notre Dame, Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said his defense would challenge itself for the rest of the season.

Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies finished the 2025 regular season going 11-1 overall and 7-1 in SEC matchups. They secured the No. 7 seed in the College Football Playoff and host the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes for a first-round matchup.