Analyzing Texas A&M's backup QB battle heading into the fall
· Yahoo Sports
Texas A&M's 2026 quarterback room will once again be led by redshirt junior Marcel Reed, who, during his first full starting season, threw for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, paired with 493 rushing yards and six scores.
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However, after the Aggies started 11-0 for the first time since 1993, Reed's poor play down the stretch, which included four turnovers in losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the CFP, resulted in a lack of enthusiasm regarding his inevitable return, even though Texas A&M's poor run defense and lack of a running game can also be blamed for ending the season on a bad note.
Still, making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history is no small feat, and Marcel Reed's poise in the pocket, connecting with wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver for a combined 1,836 yards and 13 touchdowns, and even with KC Concepcion now a member of the Cleveland Browns, Mario Craver is back to lead one of the deeper receiving corps' in the SEC.
Behind Craver, Miles O'Neill transferred to North Carolina this offseason, leaving redshirt freshman Brady Hart and freshman Helaman Casuga as the backup options, who will battle for the No. 2 spot during fall practice. After the spring season, Brady Hart looked like the best backup option after his impressive performance during the Maroon & White Game, connecting with Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton for two standout throws/catches.
Here's where the backup competition stands before fall practice begins.
Brady Hart — Redshirt freshman
Standing 6'4" and nearly 200 pounds, Brady Hart proved that a year of sitting and learning has paid off, as his ability to maneuver the pocket and make decisive, accurate throws was on full display during the spring game, providing coach Mike Elko and new OC Holmon Wiggins plenty to work with heading into the fall.
However, while Hart is two inches taller than Marcel Reed, his slender build is an issue, especially against SEC-level defenses, which could result in injury if he doesn't add more size to his frame this offseason. Marcel Reed has stayed healthy throughout his starting career, but as we know, anything can happen at a given moment.
Right now, Hart looks like the backup option this fall, but nothing is set in stone just yet.
Helaman Casuga — Freshman
Sorry for the lack of photos for Helaman Casuga, who has yet to take a college snap. During his first appearance this spring, it's clear that the former four-star prospect possesses the arm talent to eventually compete for the starting quarterback job over the next two seasons, but at just 6'0", throwing over larger defensive tackles and linebackers, especially in the seam, could be problematic.
No one can deny that Casuga is a playmaker, rebounding after his pick-six to lead the Maroon team to a 15-13 win, throwing a 23-yard touchdown, and looking like the most confident player on the field. While Casuga's talent and arm strength should lead to a close battle for the backup job, waiting in the wings for at least one season to learn the offense, similar to Brady Hart, looks like the best path.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Analyzing Texas A&M football's backup QB battle heading into the fall