'Well, It's Next Year': Phil Steele Sets High Expectations For Texas A&M

The Texas A&M Aggies have budding talent, a new offensive coordinator and a favorable schedule to make some noise in the Southeastern Conference.

Obviously, last season was not the standard of Texas A&M Aggies football.

The Aggies went 5-7, had problems finding the guy under center and were left scratching their heads as to what went wrong. Now under new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, quarterback Conner Weigman, who got five games under his belt in 2022, looks to lead Texas A&M back to the success it once had not too long ago.

Phil Steele ranked powerhouses Alabama and LSU interchangeably at the first and second spots in the West Division of the Southeastern Conference, but slotted the Aggies in right behind them in third with a high ceiling for 2023.

“I think A&M is your clear No. 3 or even possibly No. 2 team," Steele said. "I was talking to (Jimbo Fisher) about the offensive line last year and he said ‘we’re going to be outstanding. One of the top offensive lines in the country next year.’ He didn’t say ‘this year.’ He said ‘Next year.’ Well, it’s next year.

“That was the case in a lot of areas. I think Texas A&M has 10 starters back on offense, 10 on defense. Tons of talent. Just didn’t have things go right last year.”

Texas A&M's success on the recruiting trail will bode well for next season. It's secured top-10 classes of 2020 (No. 6), 2021 (No. 8) and 2022 (No. 1), and the Aggies will look to the rising sophomores from the country's best class two cycles ago to make a significant stride in their development.

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Follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

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