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Matchup: Texas A&M vs. Arizona State

Date: September 12th, 2026

Location: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas

Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT

Texas A&M began the season with a 50-0 win over Missouri State at Kyle Field. The Aggies look to keep the momentum rolling with a significant step up in competition as the Arizona State Sun Devils come to Aggieland. Kenny Dillingham’s squad heads to College Station with a 1-0 record after thoroughly trouncing Morgan State 70-7.

The Aggies had a bit of a sluggish start against Missouri State, something that can be repeated against Arizona State if Texas A&M hopes to add to the win column. The struggles that plague newer offensive lines did show in the first half. The Bears were able to sack Marcel Reed twice, using movement to confuse the Texas A&M offensive line. The Aggies also had eight penalties on the day, four of which came from the offensive line.

With Arizona State’s only game film coming against an FCS foe, it’s hard to draw any conclusions beyond the step up in talent level from CUSA to the Big 12 in opponents. Arizona State notched two sacks against Morgan State and didn’t force any turnovers. One thing this Sun Devil defense does have, particularly on the defensive line, is experience. Upperclassmen are starting across the board.

For the offense, a victory on Saturday starts up front. The Aggies can’t afford another day with four penalties, and they have to keep Marcel Reed upright. Texas A&M should once again have the advantage at the skill position, and I’d expect a less vanilla approach from Holmon Wiggins as offensive coordinator. Still, expect the Aggies to look to establish the run game, as I think this offensive line’s strength comes in leaning on opposing defenses rather than protecting the passer.

Texas A&M’s defense did not seem to face any of the first-game struggles that impacted the offense against Missouri State. The Aggies held the Bears to just 67 total yards. Missouri State’s quick game did limit the pass rush production as expected, but the Aggies did notch one sack and added six TFLs. It was sheer dominance across the board for the defense on Saturday, and now the Aggies must prove they can do it against better competition.

Former Kentucky QB Cutter Boley is under center for the Sun Devils in 2026, and he was one of the stars of this Arizona State offense in Week One. Boley went for 387 yards and 6 TDS through the air, including two touchdowns to Grayson Rigdon out of the backfield. On those plays, one thing that stood out about the Arizona State wide receivers was the willingness to block downfield. The Texas A&M secondary is going to need to be prepared to get off blocks on screens and short passes in order to limit big plays.

Texas A&M will also need to win up front to put pressure on Cutter Boley and prevent him from being comfortable in the pocket. Boley isn’t a threat to scramble in the same way Locklear was for Missouri State, which should allow the Aggies to really pin their ears back in obvious passing downs. One player who really flashed against Missouri State in pass rush situations was San Diego State transfer Ryan Henderson. Henderson hasn’t received as much of the edge talk as guys like Anto Saka, Marco Jones, and TJ Searcy, but he looked very disruptive in Week One. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him used more as a situational pass rusher over the course of this season.

Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State will likely have some tricks up their sleeve on offense, but I expect the Aggie defense to rise to the occasion. Expect a productive day up front for Texas A&M.

The Aggies are favored by two scores on most outlets, but I don’t quite have the confidence in the offense yet to expect a comfortable win. Texas A&M will need to lean on the defense, win the turnover battle, and avoid costly penalties. I believe Arizona State will keep this one close in Aggieland in a low-scoring affair. I have Texas A&M winning 24-17.