College Football Rankings: Post-spring 2019 Top 25 projections

Texas A&M is a trendy pick among many pundits to vault up into the top 15 of the AP Top 25 when it comes out in August. That comes despite, like Washington, losing a ton of talent especially on defense. Nevertheless, the mystique of Jimbo Fisher and his role as the next great hope for Aggies fans will likely give Texas A&M a boost up the preseason polls.

Kellen Mond is back at quarterback for the Aggies, providing stability and growth potential at the position. The departure of Trayveon Williams, however, leaves a major hole in the backfield. Fisher might be forced to lean on Mond more as a passer. At the same time, a strong offensive line looks ready to weather the loss of second-round NFL Draft pick Erik McCoy at center and should provide options for balance with their combined talents.

Losing three players in the NFL Draft and more than half of their total defensive production from 2018 should have minimal effect on the Aggies defense, which looks prepared to show improvement at several positions. Texas A&M continues to develop in the secondary, and the defensive line could remain the biggest strength against both the pass and the run.

After opening the year with a shakedown game against Texas State, Texas A&M heads east to take on defending College Football Playoff national champion Clemson in South Carolina. Losing that litmus test wouldn’t knock A&M from their spot in the AP Top 25, but an upset would launch the Aggies up the polls and into serious SEC contention.