Doubts about Texas A&M's ability to reach the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year are mounting this offseason, with one SEC media personality saying there is no way the Aggies will do it again in 2026.
That's according to Cousin Shane of ThatSECPodcast, who expressed some doubt about Michael Bratton's (SEC Mike) statement pinning Mike Elko as the second-best head coach in the SEC behind Georgia's Kirby Smart. Cousin Shane also stated the Aggies are going to lose the last five games of the year. That slate includes road contests at Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma, while hosting Tennessee and Texas.
This comes after the Aggies fell one game short of reaching the SEC title game and achieved the program's first 11-0 start since 1992 last season.
Cousin Shane continues to hate on Texas A&M
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 13, 2026
"A&M is going to be a good team -- until they lose the last 5 games of the year!"
"There is no way this team is going back to the College Football Playoff!"
Full show: https://t.co/GHCFX388Xepic.twitter.com/8fsAoL6pW5
While it is all in good fun, Cousin Shane does have a point. What if Texas A&M doesn't meet expectations in year three under Coach Elko? Well, it all starts with how well junior quarterback Marcel Reed has progressed as a passer this offseason and whether the four new pieces on the offensive line can mesh. Should those stars align, the Aggies could be primed for another historic campaign in Bryan-College Station.
Despite new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins taking over the offense and defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill calling the shots, the talent on the roster seems to be adjusting well during fall camp. According to reports, Reed has yet to turn the ball over during preseason practices and the offensive line seems to have various versatile pieces that Wiggins has been able to plug-and-play at any position.
Time will tell if this year's squad can accomplish or surpass the success of last year's team, but Cousin Shane's statement about the Aggies potentially losing five games in a row to close out the season is extremely far-fetched.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: SEC football media personality says there's no way Texas A&M makes CFP