The Texas A&M Aggies blew past UTSA with a big fourth quarter to win the season opener 42-24. Quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver KC Concepcion added a receiving TD and an 80-yard punt return as the Aggies racked up 401 total yards with no turnovers, and showed a sturdy defensive performance against the Roadrunners. Beyond the dominant season opener, head coach Mike Elko delivered an update on the Aggies’ star running back following months of uncertainty.
Mike Elko Issues Update On Deondrae Riden
Freshman RB Riden is back on the field after a summer car accident kept him sidelined. The 4-star recruit, ranked 15th nationally at his position, is ready to make an impact for the Aggies.
Riden’s high school career was electric, totaling 4,034 rushing yards and 4,265 all-purpose yards, showcasing the explosive versatility that drew the Aggies’ attention. He began spring practice making waves, but the accident temporarily paused his rise.
Mike Elko said that RB Tiger Riden got in a car accident over the summer and that today is the first day he has been cleared to practice fully.
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) September 1, 2025
Elko adds that CB Jordan Shaw is day-to-day.
According to the Aggies, head coach Elko confirmed, “RB Tiger Riden got in a car accident over the summer, and today is the first day he has been cleared to practice fully.” With his health restored, Riden looks poised to turn his potential into on-field production.
Riden’s Return Adds Balance to Texas A&M’s Offense
Aggies QB Reed’s strong performance against the Roadrunners, passing for 289 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 39 yards, paired with freshman RB Riden’s return, gives Texas A&M a more balanced and versatile offense.
Head coach Elko’s praise for Reed was telling. According to Aggies, he said,
“I thought he did a nice job. I thought he was comfortable. I thought he was poised. I thought he delivered some really confident balls across the middle on time.”
Mike Elko
With Reed showing balance in the pocket and mobility when needed, adding Riden opens up interesting possibilities for the Aggies.
Riden, a 5’10”, 212-pound running back with 1,880 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in his senior season, could become Texas A&M’s primary ball carrier, providing Elko with a multi-dimensional ground game to challenge defenses.
