Oct. 17, 2026

On one of the coldest days in October so far, Aggieland headed to Kyle Field at a crisp twelve noon to watch the Aggies play The Citadel at home. With a record of 3-3 and debate over what happened since last season's success, this game was a needed win to prove A&M can still dominate NCAA teams. Lucky for them, the score ended in a commanding 41–0 victory over The Citadel, earning A&M their fourth win of the season. The Aggies controlled the game with an explosive rushing attack, efficient passing, and a dominant defensive performance. Texas A&M finished with 501 total yards, including 264 rushing yards, while holding The Citadel to just 183 yards of offense.

Early Touchdowns Establish Control

The Aggies established control in the first quarter when running back Jamarion Morrow (#2) scored on a four-yard touchdown run. Morrow continued to lead the offense in the second quarter, adding two more rushing touchdowns to finish with three scores. Quarterback Marcel Reed (#10) connected with freshman receiver Aaron Gregory (#3) for a 37-yard touchdown, helping Texas A&M build a commanding 28–0 halftime lead.

Texas A&M's rushing attack was a major factor in the victory. Freshman running back KJ Edwards (#0) led the team with 116 rushing yards on 13 carries, showcasing his ability to make explosive plays. The Aggies consistently moved the ball and controlled the pace of the game, finishing with 26 first downs compared to The Citadel's 12.

Gregory and the Passing Game Extend the Lead

Reed completed eight of 13 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown before giving way to backup quarterback Brady Hart (#13). Gregory finished with six receptions for 94 yards and two touchdown catches. In the fourth quarter, Hart connected with Gregory for a 12-yard touchdown to cap off the scoring and secure the 41–0 win. Kicker David Olano (#24) also converted two field goals in the third quarter.

Defensive Shutout Highlights Aggie Performance

The Texas A&M defense shut out The Citadel for all four quarters, limiting the Bulldogs to just 43 passing yards and 140 rushing yards. The defensive effort marked the Aggies' second shutout of the season, the program's first time recording multiple shutouts in a season since 1993. The performance demonstrated the defense's ability to contain The Citadel's option-based offense while giving younger players opportunities to contribute.

The victory improved Texas A&M's record to 4–3 overall as the Aggies prepared for a challenging road matchup against Alabama. Although The Citadel presented a different level of competition than an SEC opponent, the Aggies gained valuable momentum from a complete performance on both sides of the ball. Maintaining that offensive efficiency and defensive discipline would be important as Texas A&M returned to conference play.

After the game, we got to speak with Head Coach Mike Elko, and players Aaron Gregory and Sam M’Pemba. In his opening statement, Elko acknowledged the success of the game without overlooking A&M’s record, which remains 4-3. Getting numerous players a lot of reps was “very important with where we are right now,” and Elko has a positive outlook while understanding there is work to be done. A lot of success can be attributed to the younger players, and upcoming generation of Aggies that hold promise for the future. It was “good to get Morrow back healthy,” as well as Gregory carrying a lot of weight for the team.

While it was a shutout wand “from a talent standpoint we obviously knew we were the better team” (Elko), there were still challenges. The Citadel presented a unique defense, running plays that hadn't been on tape. With score after score from the Aggies, coaches got to play tons of upcoming guys, getting reps in from Tamarion Watkins (LB), Brandon Arrington(WR & CB), and backup QB Brady Hart. 

Aaron Gregory was a prime player in this week's game, emerging as a target for Reed and proving himself as a Freshaman. He knew it was time to “step up”, and spoke to the confidence that it's given him working with his teammates. He smiled saying the moment that things clicked for him was after the Missouri game the week prior, knowing he could “do this at the next level”. 

Sam M’Pemba also acknowledged the difference in gameplay, mentioning that the preparation in practice helped tremendously. When asked what they can take away and take forward from a game like this, he replied that they can “use this as a learning ability, and be able to move on from it”.

There's no rest for the weary, with Elko saying we “[got] done what we wanted to get done, and now it's back into SEC play”. You can catch Texas A&M play Alabama next week in Tuscaloosa, or stream live on ABC Network. 

Writers: Niko Kundivich and Noelle Weekley, KANM Sports