Incoming Texas A&M freshman kicker could be a 'real weapon' in 2026

Texas A&M's kicking issues have yet to directly result in a loss this season, as the Aggies finished 11-1 and 7-1 in SEC play, while last Friday's road loss to Texas did include senior kicker Jared Zirkel missing a field goal that would have likely changed the game pla after the Aggies' late touchdown in the second half, trailing 20-17 in stead of tieing the game at 20 if the early FG miss didn't occur.

For those who sometimes forget just how essential field goals and extra points are, Texas A&M's 41-40 road win over Notre Dame in Week 3, which has helped propel the Aggies to the College Football Playoff, may have not come to fruition if Fighting Irish place holder Tyler Buchner didn't fumble the snap, resulting in the missed extra point before the Aggies drove the field to win the game.

Throughout the season, most of Texas A&M's 11 victories have been blowouts. Still, senior kicker Randy Bond, who finished the regular season with a poor 61% field goal percentage, only hitting 11/18 kicks, handed field goal duties to former Georgia place kicker and kickoff specialist Jared Zirkel for the last two games, who finished 3/5.

Heading into the postseason, this issue won't be widely discussed, but it could be the difference between moving to the quarterfinals or entering the 2026 offseason earlier than expected. While help isn't on the way this season, Wednesday's Early Signing Day featured standout kicker Asher Murray signing with the team, as Elko noted that the incoming freshman looked "unbelievable" during Texas A&M's kicking camp last summer.

"He's got a chance to be a real weapon for us."

Yes, kickers can be valuable weapons at the college and NFL level. The best example? Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has one of the strongest legs in the world and provides the Cowboys a significant advantage in end-of-game situations, knowing a close game can be won after crossing the 50-yard line.

Texas A&M's vast history of developing future NFL kickers and punters has stalled over the last few seasons, but that could change with Murray now in the fold.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko praises incoming freshman kicker Asher Murray