A&M’s 2023 playoff loss shaped Elko’s perspective
Mike Elko, the head coach of the Texas A&M football team, reflected on his team's close playoff game against Miami as part of a wider discussion during an interview on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket. He described the matchup as a tough defensive battle, noting that in such situations, it often comes down to which side can make the key plays that decide the outcome. Elko pointed out that the game against Miami was a valuable learning opportunity for his players and staff. The experience, though a loss, highlighted the importance of developing a consistent team identity rather than focusing solely on achieving one standout victory. He emphasized that while the loss stung, it was a necessary step in the ongoing process of building a competitive program and that the Aggies are still early in this journey of transformation.
Building a program takes time, but pressure is immediate
Elko acknowledged the shifting expectations in college football, where fans and media often look for immediate results and improvement. He pointed out that this culture of quick success can make it difficult for coaches to stay focused on long-term development. He stressed that A&M is working toward a dual goal: maintaining a competitive roster that can perform each season and laying down a solid foundation for continued success over the years. Elko explained that his approach is to ensure the team is strong enough to generate excitement in the short term while also building the necessary structure to last. He made it clear that Texas A&M is not trying to set up the program for someone else to benefit from in the future but is instead committed to building for the long haul.
To illustrate this, Elko mentioned the Aggies' strategy for recruiting. While they’ve had to use the transfer portal more frequently as they adjust from a previous coaching regime, they continue to bring in strong high school recruits, with 26 players joining each year. He sees this as a balance: using the portal to address immediate needs while still building a sustainable identity through early talent development.
Elko sees parallels between college football and the NFL
Elko was asked whether the fast-paced changes in college football—especially the way teams now operate in the transfer portal and how talent is acquired—had surprised him. He said it hadn’t. He compared the traditional model of college football to the NFL's draft system, where teams had one shot each year to select new players and hoped they were good enough. He said that in the past, there was no flexibility like the 'free agency' that now exists in college football. The transfer portal, he argued, has completely changed the game. It allows teams to adapt more quickly and bring in experienced players, but it also raises the stakes for finding impact additions in a short window.
According to Elko, this shift requires coaches to be more adaptable and responsive. It opens new pathways to success but also adds pressure to perform quickly. He noted that this can be a challenge when turning around a program, as it requires managing both current expectations and long-term goals. Despite these pressures, Elko remains focused on building a strong, well-rounded team.
Elko made it clear that even though Texas A&M has had to rely on transfer portal additions as part of its transition, the program’s focus is on recruiting top high school talent. He sees this as the best way to build a foundation that will support long-term success. By balancing immediate needs with a strategic, long-term vision, Elko is trying to position A&M for sustained excellence in the ever-evolving world of college football.