Everyone knows that quarterback is the most important position on the field. In the first three seasons of Jimbo Fisher’s tenure Kellan Moon missed only one snap due to injury. In the three seasons since his departure, inconsistent play and injuries have plagued the Aggies at the important position, as SIX different QBs made important appearances during that time period.
However, if Texas A&M is able to buck this trend and Conner Weigman healthy all season, it could be a special season for the Aggies.
Who have we lost?
- Max Johnson: The left-hander has been used as a starter at some point over the past two seasons after initially losing the battle for the starting job. Johnson performed admirably in some bad situations during his time in Aggieland and was valuable as a backup. He transferred to North Carolina in the offseason, where he is currently battling for a starting job.
Who are we bringing back?
- Conner Weigman: Weigman started at quarterback for the Aggies last season before an ankle injury in week four sidelined him for the rest of the season. In three and a half games in 2023, he posted a QBR of 87.2, which would have ranked fifth nationally last season. Weigman is back at full strength and could set the world on fire under new OC Collin Klein.
- Jaylen Henderson: The Fresno State transfer started the final four games of the season for A&M after Max Johnson was injured. Henderson injured himself in the first game of the Texas Bowl, but performed well in his other three starts, managing 704 passing yards and 6 TDs while adding 104 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. He will provide valuable depth in the quarterback room this season.
- Marcel Reed: Reed was a complete freshman at the time, and was used on the second play of the Texas Bowl after the aforementioned Henderson went down. He responded by totaling 390 yards of offense against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, narrowly leading the Ags to a victory. Reed may be small in stature, but he has an incredible arm and is extremely athletic. He could be the first quarterback off the bench if anything happens to Weigman.
What other names should we know?
- Miles O’Neill: The 6-foot-5, 220-pound freshman from New Jersey probably has the most talented throwing arm of any quarterback on campus, but with three experienced options, O’Neill is likely to be a redshirt this season.
Overall grade: A
The sample size on Weigman is limited, but the approaches are unmistakable. So much so that respected draft analysts like ESPN’s Matt Miller project him in the first round of next year’s draft. PFF’s Trevor Sikkema believes Weigman could even be selected as the first quarterback. In an offense that will play to his strengths, it’s not hard to imagine Weigman having a truly stellar year and rising to the top of college football.
Behind Conner, the A grade is really determined. Both Reed and Henderson showed last season that they can put up numbers and move the offense forward when needed. Experienced depth at the QB position is critical and very few teams have guys on the bench that can run their offense with minimal drop-off in performance (just look at how Florida State performed last year when Jordan Travis was out).
