Texas A&M's offense ranks 97th nationally after defeating The Citadel 41-0 last Saturday, largely because senior quarterback Marcel Reed struggled in the pocket, throwing six interceptions and just seven touchdowns for 1,227 yards and a 55.5% completion rate.

However, the Aggies' 63rd-ranked rushing attack has made significant progress, thanks to freshman running back KJ Edwards, who has already amassed 317 yards and two touchdowns since taking over as starter, including a career-high 116 yards against The Citadel.

Marcel Reed will likely remain the starter until further notice, so first-year OC Holmon Wiggins must keep focusing on the run game and working with OL coach Adam Cushing to implement a versatile scheme, especially zone-running concepts, to take advantage of KJ Edwards' elite skill set.

After earning the highest grade among FBS running backs (79.9) per Pro Football Focus after Week 7, KJ Edwards enters Saturday's critical road test vs. No. 13 Alabama as PFF's third-highest-graded true freshman through the first seven weeks of the season, and has already solidified his spot as the team's likely starting running back for the rest of the year and heading into the 2027 season.

It took longer than many in the Aggie fan base wanted, but coach Mike Elko realized that, paired with sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow, Edwards gives the Aggies their best chance to salvage the season over the next five games.