Texas A&M has been placed behind Indiana University in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, which in typical circumstances would call for serious reevaluations at A&M. However, these are not ordinary times, as both schools find themselves among the leaders in college football. The Aggies are currently ranked No. 3 in the inaugural playoff rankings, just behind the undefeated Hoosiers. The defending national champions, Ohio State, hold the top position.
This marks the highest ranking for Texas A&M in the Associated Press poll since 1995 when they also reached No. 3 under coach R.C. Slocum during the final year of the Southwest Conference. The Aggies are considered one of the strongest teams in college football, yet they remain relatively under the radar. This lack of attention can be partly attributed to their quarterback not being a Manning and their one notable victory over No. 8 Notre Dame, a thrilling 41-40 win on September 13.
Additionally, three of A&M”s eight opponents this season have winning records. The Aggies have faced four teams that have since dismissed their head coaches, including Auburn, Florida, LSU, and Arkansas. The combined SEC records of A&M”s conference adversaries currently stand at 6-20. Following the release of the playoff rankings on Monday night, one would expect a chorus of complaints from SEC coaches regarding A&M”s third-place standing. Where is the outrage? Where are the allegations of bias favoring Indiana and the perceived strengths of the overrated Big Ten?
“In the SEC, it”s any given Saturday,” stated South Carolina coach Shane Beamer during the SEC coaches” conference call on Wednesday. “Anybody can beat anybody.” Yet, it raises questions for fans of teams like Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and South Carolina—teams not currently winning.
The SEC markets itself as the ultimate challenge in college football, boasting both elite and average teams alongside a few that struggle. The primary reason for A&M”s No. 3 ranking instead of No. 2 stems from their perceived lack of excitement. In 2025, the appeal of a team often hinges on its storyline, media presence, and viral potential. If A&M were known as the Alabama Crimson Tide, their current record would likely place them at No. 1 nationally.
In this era, if a team fails to capture the public”s imagination—whether through compelling narratives, appearances on ESPN”s College GameDay, or significant social media engagement—it risks being overlooked. Ohio State embodies an image of commercial success, while Indiana, led by coach Curt Cignetti, has become a captivating story. Meanwhile, Texas A&M boasts a celebrated mascot, traditions that often invite ridicule, and a history marked by disappointments.
Despite these factors, this is arguably the strongest team A&M has fielded in decades, surpassing their inaugural SEC season led by quarterback Johnny Manziel, when they finished 11-2 and ranked fifth nationally in 2012. After investing substantial resources, the Aggies now possess a roster capable of contending for an SEC championship. While they may not guarantee a title, their talent and depth suggest they can compete.
“That team last year whipped our butt,” remarked Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz during the same conference call. A&M dominated Missouri last season with a 41-10 victory and is set to face them again this Saturday at 2:30 PM. “Are they better? Yeah. They have a quarterback with another year in the system with full control. There is skill on the outside… Defensively, it”s another year in the system. Anytime you have another year with so many returning players, they become more comfortable and complete.”
With upcoming games against Missouri, South Carolina, Samford, and Texas, Texas A&M is poised to achieve its first double-digit win season since 2012, potentially securing its first appearance in the SEC Championship game and a spot in the playoffs. Perhaps then, the Aggies will rank higher than Indiana. However, given A&M”s history, fans should not be surprised if the team concludes the season with a 9-4 record and a trip to a less prestigious bowl game.
