Texas A&M has made plenty of noise this offseason, but one move stands out like a billboard in the NIL era. Bringing in former NC State wideout KC Concepcion is likely the riskiest move of Mike Elko’s first offseason as head coach. With Ainias Smith gone and the Aggies lacking a true WR1 last year, Concepcion’s addition doesn’t just feel big—it feels necessary. For a program that has been flirting with elite status but failing to seal the deal, this is a swing that could define the 2025 campaign. Still, for all the headlines KC grabs, the pressure quietly looms over quarterback Marcel Reed.
Reed was named the guy under center last year, but there’s no way around the truth—he’s streaky. His flashes were enough to give Mike Elko hope, but not enough to mask inconsistency. Analyst RJ Young summed it up sharply on Adapt & Respond, “We need Marcel Reed to develop as a passer, and he’s real streaky in that. But he might not have to with the tailbacks that they’re going to have at their disposal.” And that’s where this story turns.
“Rueben Owens is back after a season that he missed with injury. That alone is going to make your backfield that much better,” Young added. RBs Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens form what might be the most underrated tandem in the SEC.
Moss quietly carved up defenses for 765 rushing yards in 2024, with a head-turning 6.3 yards per carry. That kind of efficiency keeps the chains moving and, more importantly, takes the weight off Marcel Reed. Owens, who missed last season due to injury, returns with fresh legs and a chip on his shoulder. Together, they offer offensive coordinator Collin Klein a luxury that not many Power Five programs can boast—balance and explosiveness from the backfield on any down. As RJ put it, “You’re going to be able to run almost anything you want if you’re Collin Klein from that standpoint as long as the offensive line shows up.”
Now here comes the elephant in the room—or maybe the dollar sign. KC Concepcion has yet to post a 1,000-yard receiving season, yet he’s already cashed in $2.5 million in NIL deals through The Familie agency. The gamble? Texas A&M is betting that Concepcion doesn’t just elevate the passing game—he transforms it.
According to reports, he averaged 11-plus yards per reception in 2023 and remains one of the most dangerous receivers after the catch in college football. In fact, that was one of his best seasons, with 839 yards and 71 catches. His production dipped slightly last year, but that can be attributed to offensive flux at NC State. Under Collin Klein’s offensive scheme, designed to get playmakers into space, KC is poised to break out.
When he entered the portal, KC Concepcion knew he needed to find a place to show off his versatility. He found that at Texas A&M.
Working with @BNM_777k + The Familie, he’s secured $2.5 million in NIL and roster value deals this offseason.
Story: https://t.co/yZjERPiJBy pic.twitter.com/rrktun6atc
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) June 10, 2025
The price tag raises eyebrows. RJ Young didn’t shy away from addressing it. “This is a wide receiver who has not put together a thousand-yard receiving yet,” he said bluntly. And that’s where the scrutiny creeps in. In the era of NIL, expectations come with dollar signs. “For A&M to get their money’s worth out of KC Concepcion, you probably need a 1200-yard season, probably going to need at least 10 TDs, if not 14, 15,” Young added.
The final piece of the puzzle is Marcel Reed. Despite the shiny new toys around him, it’s still his development as a pocket passer that will dictate whether A&M merely improves or contends. “Mike Elko feels like a better hire, but really we’re not talking about him doing much more than what Jimbo was doing,” RJ noted. That stings—but it’s also fair. Mike Elko has stabilized things. But stability won’t cut it in the SEC West.
Marcel Reed or bust? Aggies’ 2025 hopes ride on one man
Texas A&M fans hoping for a smoother ride in 2025 might want to buckle up—it’s all coming down to one guy. This week, Dave Campbell’s Texas senior writer Mike Craven dropped a sharp reminder of what’s truly at stake with the Aggies: Marcel Reed is the key to the kingdom. In his detailed piece titled “Texas A&M’s 2025 Outlook Hinges on One Player: Marcel Reed,” Craven laid it out plain and simple. After a 1-4 finish to close last season, there’s no hiding behind hype—Reed has to deliver.
Though Mike Elko has remained a vocal supporter of Reed throughout the offseason, Craven didn’t shy away from pointing out the reality. Sure, Reed had a few wins as the starter, but they were far from inspiring. Yet, Elko’s optimism hasn’t wavered. “We are really excited about him. He can make plays with his arm and his feet,” he said. “I think you will see him take a really, really big step forward.”
That “step forward” better be a leap. Craven backed his points with Pro Football Focus numbers, particularly highlighting Reed’s struggles with the deep ball—a gaping void in an offense that desperately needs vertical firepower. Second-year Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein, a former Heisman finalist at Kansas State, is expected to craft a scheme that highlights Reed’s dual-threat abilities.
The post Stance on Mike Elko’s Twin Weapons for Marcel Reed Confirmed Amid $2.5M Gamble Scrutiny appeared first on EssentiallySports.