As the 2026 college football season gets underway, the Missouri State Bears are set to face off against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the iconic Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, and will be broadcast live on ESPN. This matchup marks an exciting start for both teams, with Texas A&M entering as a heavy favorite, boasting a spread of -40.5 and an over/under set at 53.5.
The Bears, who are in their second year of FBS membership, will experience a significant atmosphere as they compete in front of a crowd that could exceed 100,000 fans. This daunting setting presents a unique challenge for head coach Casey Woods, who is embarking on his first head coaching role after a successful tenure as the offensive coordinator at SMU. Woods has restructured the Bears' roster and is eager to lead them against a formidable opponent in Texas A&M, which is fresh off its inaugural College Football Playoff appearance.
Last season, the Aggies enjoyed a remarkable run, winning their first 11 games before facing an upset loss to Miami (FL) in the playoffs. With head coach Mike Elko at the helm, Texas A&M aims to build on that success and improve its record against Conference USA teams, as they seek to extend their perfect 14-0 mark in such matchups.
Under Woods, Missouri State's offense is expected to maintain its aggressive identity, particularly in the passing game. The Bears ranked 16th nationally last season with an average of 280 passing yards per game. Key players include fifth-year senior Jmariyae Robinson, who led the team in receptions and touchdowns last year, and tight end Jeron Askren, a Mackey Award watchlist candidate. Quarterback Skyler Locklear, a transfer from UTEP, will lead the charge after winning the starting position during fall camp. Locklear's dual-threat capabilities and ability to make big plays will be crucial as the Bears look to establish their offensive rhythm.
Despite their offensive strengths, Missouri State will need to address past issues, particularly their offensive line, which allowed the second-most sacks in the nation last year. The Bears have made significant changes, bringing in three transfers to bolster their protection, including left tackle King Large from SMU and center Isaiah Villanueva from Jackson State. This revamped line will be essential in supporting new running back Breezy Dunbar, who brings experience from Boise State.
Defensively, Missouri State will also see changes with Jack Curtis stepping in as coordinator. The Bears' defense struggled last season but showed resilience by limiting several opponents to 21 points or fewer. Key returning players include leading tackler Jared Lloyd and safeties Christian Ford and Dylan Dixson, who will need to step up in a challenging environment.
On the other side, Texas A&M enters the season with high expectations, ranked No. 8 in the AP Poll. The Aggies' offense, which averaged over 31 points in most games last season, will be led by quarterback Marcel Reed, who is coming off a breakout year. Reed's ability to connect with a talented receiving corps, including Mario Craver and Isaiah Horton, will be vital in their offensive strategy.
Defensively, Texas A&M was a force last season, ranking among the top teams in the nation in fewest yards allowed and sacks per game. While they lost standout Cashius Howell, the Aggies still possess a strong defensive unit capable of applying pressure and creating turnovers. With both teams eager to make a statement, this matchup promises to be an intriguing start to the college football season.
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