Redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed is done hearing the same old story about Texas A&M. After leading the Aggies to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance last season, Reed is calling for the respect he believes his team has earned—and he isn't holding back.

In a recent interview with USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer, Reed opened up about the program's transformation under third-year head coach Mike Elko. The conversation centered on Elko's no-nonsense authenticity, which has fueled consistent recruiting wins and pushed the Aggies onto the national stage. But for Reed, the biggest change is the shift in mindset.

"Our name is Texas A&M. We're always known for having good recruiting classes but not doing anything with them," Reed said. "But these past two years have been different than what it has been before. I think people should start noticing that, because we're tired of it, obviously."

Coming off a career year where he threw for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, Reed knows his 12 interceptions—second-most in the SEC—cost the Aggies in back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the CFP first round. Still, the quarterback's growth has been undeniable, bringing stability to a position that had been plagued by injuries since Kellen Mond's departure.

Now entering what could be his final season in College Station, Reed has a deep receiving corps to work with, including junior wide receiver Mario Craver, who he calls "crazy good," and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton. With that kind of firepower, the Aggies are poised to build on last season's breakthrough.

For Reed, the message is clear: Texas A&M is no longer just a program with potential. It's a program ready to be recognized.