Matchup with UTSA feels 'just right' as Texas A&M's 2025 opener

College football season-openers can be like children’s stories.

Games against overmatched opponents are too soft. Games against nationally-ranked foes can be too hard so early in the season.

But for Texas A&M, the season-opener against UTSA on Saturday night at 6 p.m. CT at Kyle Field appears to be just right.

Facing the visiting Roadrunners of coach Jeff Traylor isn’t child’s play. Last season, UTSA was ranked 11th in the nation in passing offense.

Quarterback Owen McCown and a proven group of receivers pose a significant test for the A&M defense, which desperately needs to show improvement against the pass.

Last season, McCown — the nephew of former A&M quarterback Randy McCown — passed for 3,424 yards and 25 touchdowns. He accumulated more than 250 passing yards in eight games. He also rushed for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

“He is a really talented kid,” A&M head coach Mike Elko said. “I think he can make a lot of throws. He’s talented with both his legs and his arm. He’s a really, really good quarterback. He presents a lot of challenges for us.”

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Owen McCown has appeared in 20 games at UTSA with 14 starts.

A&M was often challenged in pass defense during the 2024 campaign. The Aggies allowed an average of 232.2 passing yards per game to rank 90th in the nation.

They’re optimistic they’ve improved. All-SEC cornerback Will Lee III opted to ignore the NFL Draft return for a final collegiate season. Nickel back Tyreek Chappell returns from injury. Sophomore cornerback Dezz Ricks reportedly has made dramatic gains. Julio Humphrey and Jordan Shaw were added via the transfer portal. There’s more experience at safety.

UTSA will provide the Aggies a perfect way to measure just how much the secondary has improved.

“Obviously, over the last nine months, we believe we have solved the problem,” Elko said. “We believe we’ve recruited and coached and did the things we need to fix and solve the problem.

“The reality is we’ll find out Saturday night.”

The Aggies already know they have a strong offense. The running game could be among the nation’s best with running back Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II operating behind a strong, experienced offensive line that returns intact from last season.

Quarterback Marcel Reed is also a running threat. But the Aggies are hoping to see him make strides as a passer.

He passed for 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns despite playing much of last season in a backup role.

He reportedly has made significant improvement. He’ll be aided by the arrival of transfer receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver.

Meanwhile, UTSA is trying to rebuild a defensive unit that allowed an average of 30.1 points last season. The Roadrunners allowed 36 points or more in four games.

Elko, though, is more focused on what A&M does than UTSA.

“This is going to be our ability to come out and play our football the way we know how … the way we’re capable in Kyle Field for three-and-a-half hours,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge and excited for it.”