Texas A&M Aggies Young Guns Take Center Stage vs. Oklahoma State
HOUSTON -- Consider Texas A&M's performance Wednesday night at NRG Stadium and break out party over a swan song farewell. After all, countless prospects of the next crop of Aggies will be taking starting reps.
A&M will be down to 55 scholarship players against No. 20 Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Texas Bowl. Some names have left via the transfer portal, including defensive lineman Walter Nolen and receiver Evan Stewart. Others, like All-American linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson, have opted out to begin preparation for the draft.
Regardless, A&M wants to win one more game under interim coach Elijah Robinson before he departs for Syracuse. Young players also want to make a statement on what to expect in the Mike Elko era.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Bryce Anderson (1) and linebacker Taurean York (21) during the first quarter at Kyle Field.
© Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“Our goal is to end on a win,” said quarterback Jaylen Henderson. “That’s our whole mindset, no matter who’s playing or not playing. We feel very confident with the game plan, and any time you can play football it’s always exciting. We just want to finish this game out and leave the ‘12th Man’ with a win.”
Henderson will start once more in place of the injured Conner Weigman. Entering November, the Fresno State transfer served as Max Johnson's backup. An injury and transfer later, he holds the key to helping secure an eight-win season in College Station.
Defensively, the Aggies will turn to freshman standout Taurean York, who replaces Cooper as the voice in the huddle. A four-year starter at Temple, York earned the respect of veterans for his work ethic.
Others, primarily at cornerback and receiver, will also see the youth movement in swing. Tyreek Chappell and Duece Harmon both transferred following Elko's hiring. Ainias Smith will miss the game after suffering a broken finger in the regular-season finale against LSU.
"It'd be great [to win]," said York playing short-handed. "It would show our fight, how we never back down, how we come together as one and hopefully end off the season with a 'W.'"
The young guns will be tested early against Oklahoma's State potent rushing attack, headlined by Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon II. A terror in the Big 12, Gordon led the nation in rushing yards (1,614), yards from scrimmage (1,940), 100-yard rushing games (8), and runs of at least 30 yards (14).
A&M's run defense was stable with veteran talent but is flagged with questions now that Cooper, Jackson, and others have opted out. During the regular season, the Aggies finished 17th in yards per game (106.7).
"It's a great challenge," said York. "He's a great running back but I'm a great linebacker, so I'm looking forward to facing him and his team."
A&M hopes to secure their first bowl victory since 2020 in front of what should be a crowded NRG Stadium draped head-to-toe in Aggie gear. It would close a chapter on a negative season with a positive feel.
But in defeat, perhaps the Aggies find future studs are part of the new foundation under Elko. It wouldn't be a victory in the moment, but it could considered a win for the long-term future.
