Texas A&M's bye week has been quiet, as third-year coach Mike Elko spoke to the media once during Wednesday's SEC Teleconference, emphasizing the importance of relationships in recruiting, further defending struggling quarterback Marcel Reed, and confirming that Reed will remain the starter until further notice.

This decision has been questioned by the fan base and most of us in the media, who feel that sophomore backup QB Brady Hart deserves a shot to show what he's capable of, especially after showing promise during his limited reps against The Citadel.

Still, this could signal that Elko is letting Marcel Reed finish the season before ultimately moving on and letting the senior QB find a new home in 2027. After falling to Alabama 31-20 last Saturday, it's hard to tell if any lessons were learned, but given the lack of media availability, Mike Elko and his team are looking to go on a run to finish 8-4 or, at the very least, 6-6.

Both records won't excite the fanbase, but they could provide momentum, especially if Elko makes drastic changes this offseason and moves on from first-year offensive and defensive play-callers Holmon Wiggins and Lyle Hemphill. Along with finding a new quarterback from the transfer portal, these moves would bring some hope back to the fan base.

Texas A&M football schedule 2026: Are the Aggies playing today?

Texas A&M is one of six SEC teams with a Week 9 bye in the 2026 college football season.

No. 8 Kentucky (7-1), No. 10 Alabama (6-2), No. 13 LSU (6-2), No. 17 Tennessee (6-2), and Vanderbilt (3-5) are also idle in Week 9.

Texas A&M football schedule 2026

Texas A&M faces South Carolina in Columbia on Nov. 7. Kickoff is 2:00 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN.

All times Central.

• Sept. 5: vs. Missouri State (W, 50-0)

• Sept. 12: vs. Arizona State (W, 48-20)

• Sept. 19: vs. Kentucky Wildcats (L, 31-21)

• Sept. 26: at LSU (L, 35-6)

• Oct. 3: vs. Arkansas (W, 34-7)

• Oct. 10: at Missouri (L, 27-6)

• Oct. 17: vs. The Citadel (W, 41-0)

• Oct. 24: at Alabama Crimson Tide (L, 31-20)

• Nov. 7: at South Carolina Gamecocks, 2:00 p.m., ESPN

• Nov. 14: vs. Tennessee Volunteers, TBA

• Nov. 21: at Oklahoma Sooners, TBA

• Nov. 28: vs. Texas Longhorns, 6:30 p.m., ABC