Era of Wiggins: Elko Hands Off Play-Calling Duties for 2026

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Mike Elko era at Texas A&M has been defined by defensive grit and disciplined football. Entering the 2026 season, however, the spotlight is shifting to the offensive side of the ball.

In a move that signals full confidence in his staff, Elko confirmed this week that co-offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins will take over primary play-calling duties for the Aggies this spring.

The Right Time for Wiggins

Wiggins, who joined the staff in 2024 with a reputation as an elite recruiter and wide receivers coach, has been instrumental in the development of A&M's perimeter talent. His promotion to play-caller suggests a desire to inject more explosiveness into an offense that, while efficient, arguably lacked a vertical consistent threat in 2025.

"Holmon has a brilliant offensive mind," Elko said. "He understands spacing, mismatches, and how to attack modern defenses. He's ready for this."

Impact on Marcel Reed

The biggest beneficiary of this change could be quarterback Marcel Reed. Elko has already predicted a "massive jump" for Reed in 2026, and Wiggins' system is expected to tailor specifically to Reed's dual-threat capabilities.

Under Wiggins, expect to see:

• More RPO Concepts: Utilizing Reed's legs to freeze linebackers.
• Vertical Shots: Wiggins' background with elite WRs suggests a more aggressive downfield passing game.
• Tempo: A&M may look to push the pace to keep SEC defenses on their heels.

Spring Football Implications

With spring practice set to begin on March 20, all eyes will be on how the offense operates under Wiggins' direct command. The "installation phase" this spring will be critical, as the Aggies look to build an attack capable of competing for an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

For Texas A&M, the 2026 season isn't just about maintaining the standard—it's about elevating the offense to match the championship-level defense Elko has built.