Texas A&M's backfield is gearing up for a pivotal 2026 season, and all eyes are on redshirt junior Rueben Owens. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that saw him step up in a big way following Le'Veon Moss's sudden retirement from football, Owens is now the clear No. 1 option—and head coach Mike Elko couldn't be more pumped.
"We are really excited about what Rueben is going to be able to bring to the table," Elko said during Wednesday's Dallas Coaches' Night, offering a glimpse into the team's offseason optimism.
Owens, a former five-star prospect who has battled his own injury history, seized his chance last season after Moss went down. He finished the year with 639 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. His breakout moment came against Mississippi State, where he rumbled for a career-high 142 yards. But the finish line wasn't as kind—Owens managed just 48 yards against Texas and 21 yards in the College Football Playoff opener against Miami, struggles that were partly due to a shaky offensive line and a loss of balance early against the Longhorns.
Still, the talent is undeniable. Owens is one of the fastest players on the Aggies' roster, and after a summer spent bulking up, he's poised to become a true every-down back. Elko has specifically highlighted Owens's potential impact in the passing game, a dimension that could make Texas A&M's offense even more dangerous. With a full, healthy offseason under his belt for the first time in years, Owens is on track to deliver his best numbers yet.
He won't be alone in the backfield. Rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow is emerging as the team's sharpest one-cut runner, giving the Aggies a formidable 1-2 punch. If both players can stay healthy and build chemistry with the revamped offensive line, Texas A&M's ground game could be a force to be reckoned with all season long.
For fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this is the kind of backfield depth that makes for exciting football—and the perfect inspiration to rep your Aggies pride from head to toe.