Mike Elko Questions Texas’ CFP Chances as Texas A&M Eyes Playoffs

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is focused on his team’s College Football Playoff ambitions and wasn’t shy about voicing doubts over Texas’ CFP chances. As the 2025 postseason approaches, the Aggies have positioned themselves as one of the country’s top programs, boasting a strong resume and high expectations.

Elko’s comments came during Wednesday’s National Signing Day press conference, where he emphasized the challenges of SEC play and the importance of a team’s conference schedule in evaluating playoff worthiness. His remarks highlighted both respect for his peers and confidence in the strength of the SEC.

“Uh, I don’t really care (what happens with Texas). No disrespect to Sark, I do like and respect him, but I don’t care what anyone else is doing,” Elko said. He continued, stressing the unique difficulty of SEC games and the challenges the CFP committee faces in comparing teams across conferences.

While Texas finished the regular season 9-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play, Elko suggested that such a record may not measure up against the rigorous week-in, week-out tests that SEC teams face. Meanwhile, Texas A&M has cemented its place as a playoff contender with one of its best seasons in recent history.

1. SEC Strength and Playoff Evaluation

Elko underscored the challenges of the SEC, noting that games in the conference are distinct due to hostile environments, travel, and high-level competition. He implied that teams from other conferences may appear stronger on paper but don’t always face the same intensity week to week. The Aggies’ defensive and offensive consistency this season has helped them earn national recognition. Elko believes the committee must weigh SEC schedules carefully when determining playoff placements, especially when comparing teams with fewer than 10 wins. Texas’ 9-3 record, while solid, may not be sufficient to overcome the strength-of-schedule factor, according to Elko. He suggested that the Longhorns’ performance outside the SEC, combined with conference challenges, would influence the committee’s decision. Elko’s remarks reflect a broader debate about the evaluation process for the CFP, highlighting the complexity of balancing conference strength with overall win-loss records when determining playoff participants.

2. Texas A&M’s Resurgent Season

Under Elko’s guidance, Texas A&M has enjoyed its strongest season to date. The Aggies finished the regular season 11-1 overall, going 7-1 in the SEC, and placed fourth in the conference standings. Their strong performance included wins over top SEC teams, positioning the Aggies above both Texas and Oklahoma while trailing only Ole Miss and Georgia. This record underscores their credentials as a legitimate playoff contender. Elko, in his second season with the Aggies and fourth overall as a head coach, has transformed the program into a national contender. The team’s balance on offense and defense has been a key factor in earning CFP consideration. With the No. 7 ranking and a favorable resume, Texas A&M now awaits its postseason fate. The Aggies will learn their final CFP positioning following the conclusion of the conference championship games on Dec. 7.

3. Looking Ahead

Texas A&M’s focus remains squarely on itself, with Elko emphasizing preparation and execution rather than external debates about other programs. The team’s performance in the SEC has set the stage for a deep playoff run. While the Longhorns continue to advocate for CFP inclusion, Elko’s perspective highlights the importance of conference strength and consistent performance over the course of a season. As the postseason approaches, the Aggies will seek to translate their regular-season success into playoff victories, testing their mettle against the nation’s best teams. Texas A&M’s disciplined approach and SEC-hardened roster could make them a formidable contender in the CFP, reflecting the program’s rapid ascent under Elko’s leadership.