The Texas A&M Aggies enter the 2026 season looking to replicate the success the program found last year, trying to prove to the college football world that head coach Mike Elko is building a sustainable program in today's sport.
With many roster pieces having departed from the historical 2025 season , one piece that didn't change was starting quarterback Marcel Reed , who returns for his fourth season with the program.
While the starting quarterback role is locked up, the fight for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart was worth monitoring during fall camp, and we expect Brady Hart to officially win the role, but who is he, and what could he do for the program in the case he has to take over the lead role?
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts during the first quarter during the first round of the CFP National Playoff against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This is Hart's second season in College Station, and he stepped on campus as a highly-rated prospect, listed as the No. 21 recruit in Florida , the No. 11-ranked quarterback in the country, and a top 135 player in the country for 2025.
He saw limited playing time last season after Reed was dominant all season, and he saw action against Utah State and Samford, where he threw for 62 yards, completing five of his 10 passes, while also adding one rush for nine yards.
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) throws the ball during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Hart was in a heated battle entering fall camp, facing off against true freshman Helaman Casuga, a critical piece of the Aggies' future. While both had their moments through camp, Hart ultimately won the battle, including making multiple top throws during the spring game as well.
Ideally for the Aggies, however, the plan would be for Hart not to see the field at all in 2026 except when games turn into blowouts and they put the second team in to preserve the health of the starters. With that said, Hart has a great arm and is more than capable of slinging the ball if needed.
However, if Hart did become the starter for unforeseen circumstances, the offense would have to change slightly, as he is a true pocket passer, compared to Reed, who is more than capable of using his legs to scramble for a big gain or extend plays.
The Aggies wouldn't make Hart the No. 2 QB if they didn't trust him, and we think they do. But ideally, they never see him on the field. Either way, he would be more than capable of running the offense as well.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/tamu as Texas A&M's Backup QB Role Would Be Safe In Brady Hart's Hands .
