August 24, 2024 5: 00 am CT
The Mike Elko era officially begins just seven days from now. Texas A&M’s 2024 season will kick off in high gear, hosting 7th-ranked Notre Dame inside Kyle Field in prime time. This talented roster Elko inherited/ built this offseason will be challenged right out of the gate, something Aggie fans aren’t used to after years of underwhelming openers that failed to challenge each team.
While the Fighting Irish presents an immediate challenge, if Texas A&M can get past Notre Dame and defeat McNeese State the following weekend, a trip to the Swamp to take on a highly underrated Florida is just the start of a talented and experienced quarterback slate the Aggie defense will face week after week.
However, A&M’s defense looks to be the team’s predominate strength, starting and ending the defensive line with the return of junior DE Shemar Stewart and senior DL Shemar Turner, and the offseason transfer portal acquisition of former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten in sacks (10) last season.
So, who are the top SEC signal callers Texas A&M’s defense will face this season? Here are my latest rankings.
8
Senior QB Payton Thorne
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
School: Auburn
2023 stats: 1,755 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Analysis: Payton Thorne’s first season with the Tigers was underwhelming, as the former Michigan State playmaker failed to find any consistency throughout the season but still showed toughness, especially in Auburn’s loss to Georgia late in the year. However, the 2024 season is Thorne’s final chance to prove his worth.
Texas A&M will travel to Alabama to face Auburn on Saturday, November 23.
7
Junior QB Taylen Green
Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports
School: Arkansas
2023 stats: 1,752 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 9 interceptions (with Boise State)
Analysis: Green’s arrival at Arkansas has new OC Bobby Petrino excited for what’s to come, as the legit duel-threat junior has a knack for making plays out of structure while possessing enough arm strength and accuracy to help improve the Razorback’s offense in year one.
Texas A&M will face Arkansas in Jerry World on Saturday, September 28
6
Redshirt Freshman QB LaNorris Sellers
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports Kentucky
School: South Carolina
2023 stats: 86 passing yards, two touchdowns
Analysis: Sellers is the wildcard of the group, as South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is desperate to find the next signal caller that can withstand average offensive line play and make plays outside of the pocket, as former Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler did his best with what he was surrounded with. Sellers has a live arm and plenty of athleticism to be in the running for SEC Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
Texas A&M will travel to South Carolina to face the Gamecocks on Saturday, November 2.
5
Senior QB Blake Shapen
Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports
School: Mississippi State
2023 stats: 2,188 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, three interceptions (with Baylor)
Analysis: Shapen is already a proven signal caller, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards and 31 touchdowns during his last two seasons at Baylor. Under new Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby, who should bring an innovative offensive scheme in his first year, he should be able to rely on Shapen to run his system if he can stay healthy.
Texas A&M will travel to Starkville to face Mississippi State on Saturday, October, 19.
4
Redshirt Sophomore QB Garrett Nussmeier
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
School: LSU
2023 stats: 591 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, one interception
Analysis: Following Jayden Daniel’s footsteps is tough, but Garrett Nussmeier’s big arm could get the job done if his accuracy and touch improve. Provided that LSU’s wide receiver rotation is up to par after Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas’s departures, the redshirt sophomore should have a solid year.
Texas A&M will host LSU on Saturday, October 26.
3
Senior QB Graham Mertz
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
School: Florida
2023 stats: 2,903 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, three interceptions
Analysis: Graham Mertz might be the most underrated QB heading into the season. While freshman phenom DJ Lagway is easily talented enough to start anywhere in the country, Mertz has proven to be a consistent thrower with the accuracy and touch to keep the Gators in every game this season.
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to face Florida on Saturday, November 14.
2
Junior QB Quinn Ewers
Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports
School: Texas
2023 stats: 3,479 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, six interceptions
Analysis: Quinn Ewers will face plenty of external pressure in what should be his final season with the Longhorns, knowing that with a successful 2024 season, he could be the first quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL draft. While most fanbases are biased towards their starting quarterback, even Texas fans can admit that Ewers needs to work on his accuracy if he is going to reach his full