Marcel Reed learned how to 'not make a bad play worse' this offseason

On Wednesday afternoon, during the third day of the 2026 SEC Media Days event in Tampa (FL), third-year coach Mike Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe spoke to the media 44 days before the Aggies open the 2026 season vs. Missouri State in Kyle Field.

After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history and finishing 11-2 with just one loss in SEC play, Elko made significant strides in Year 2, and while making it back to the CFP is the primary goal, finally defeating the Texas Longhorns for the first time since 2010 must be accomplished after signing his six-year extension this offseason.

Despite one national analyst believing that Texas A&M will stumble to 8-4 due to the Aggies' tough nine-game SEC schedule, 65% of the 2025 roster returns, paired with 17 transfer portal additions, and a 2026 signing class that features several young players who could easily crack the rotation this fall.

However, the only way the Aggies can make it back to the CFP is for starting quarterback Marcel Reed to take the proverbial "next step" after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during his first full starting season.

Needing to eliminate the "mental mistakes" that led to eight interceptions against top-35-ranked defenses last season, Reed stated on Wednesday during his media appearance that the Aggies' loaded wide receiver rotation, led by Mario Craver and now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4", will prevent the offense from hitting any "roadblocks."

After Texas A&M's Media Days appearance, Reed made an appearance on ESPN's Sportscenter to discuss where he needs to improve this season, starting with not making a "bad play worse." You can watch the interview below.

"I think I just learned how to not make a bad play worse."

Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed shares what he learned about himself last year to take into this season. pic.twitter.com/6CAL8nZfh0

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) July 22, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Marcel Reed learned how to 'not make a bad play worse' this offseason