HC Mike Elko reacts to Texas A&M dropping in CFP rankings

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko had quite the Wednesday, as all of his 2026 commits signed their letter of intent to play for the Aggies next season and beyond during the annual Early Signing Day period. Providing a brief look at the program's future roster, led by five-star cornerback Brandon Arrrington, the Aggies are well equipped, outside of future transfer portal additions, to make another CFP run in 2026.

Hours after the entire class was signed, sealed, and delivered, Mike Elko took questions from the media, providing his first reaction to Texas A&M dropping four spots in Tuesday's latest College Football Rankings, now ranked No. 7, and is currently predicted to host a rematch vs. No. 10 Notre Dame in the first round on December 19 or 20.

After sustaining their first and only loss of the season at the hands of No. 13 Texas (9-3, 6-3 SEC) on the road in DKR, the CFP Selection Committee decided that Ole Miss (No. 6), Oregon (No. 5), and Texas Tech (No. 4) all possess better resumes, despite ranking looking in strength of schedule and record than the Aggies. None of this really makes sense, while many, including myself, believe the committee is basing these rankings on recent results.

Yes, it was a bad time to lose on the road just weeks before the CFP, but even Elko is confused and is asking for clarity moving forward.

"As a football coach, put a ball down, let's go play... We're going to be in the playoffs, and we're going to compete for a national championship. From a CEO standpoint, we're all screaming for some clarity. What exactly is the criterion we're using to break ties?"

Texas A&M has not faced Ole Miss this season. After Lane Kiffin left his long-time post with the Rebels to take over LSU, it's almost as if the committee has not considered that, combined with Texas A&M's 4-1 road record, including blowout wins over LSU and Missouri.

Elko and his team will not sit, wait, and watch this weekend's Championship Weekend lineup, as I reported earlier today that if Alabama defeats Georgia in the SEC Title game, paired with BYU beating Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship game, the Aggies could move down and possibly miss out on hosting a first round game, but this writer expects Georgia and Tech to handle their business.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: HC Mike Elko reacts to Texas A&M dropping in CFP rankings