Marcel Reed describes what his relationship with Johnny Manziel is like

Johnny Manziel helped rewrite the Texas A&M recordbook as a redshirt freshman a decade ago, and now he’s doing his part to help current Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed elevate his game ahead of his sophomore season in College Station.

Manziel and Reed recently became texting buddies when the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner reached out with some small pointers after reviewing practice film of the 6-foot-2, 180-pound A&M quarterback. And it’s already starting to pay off for Reed, who enters Year 2 in Aggieland after starting eight games as a redshirt freshman last season.

“It’s great. When you grow up watching college football, you think of Johnny Manziel for sure. And I’m just blessed to be able to come to this college and be able to speak with him,” Reed said on Thursday’s SportsCenter. “He gave me a little bit of knowledge on how him and (second-year A&M head coach) Mike (Elko) connected, how they became so good.

“Like he mentioned, he watched a little bit of routes on air and he gave me some tips going into this season,” Reed continued. “I texted him back the other day ‘we’re slinging it out there,’ so what he told me helped a little bit. So we kind of took it out to routes on air, just trying to build a little connection a little bit stronger.”

After being thrust into a more prominent role after injuries derailed Conner Weigman‘s career in College Station, Reed flashed true dual-threat potential with more than 2,400 yards of total offense and 22 combined touchdowns last season. Reed finished 2024 with 1,864 yards on 61.3-percent (147-of-240) passing and 15 touchdowns to six interceptions while also adding 543 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Weigman has since transferred to Houston.

Texas A&M has been seeking a dynamic-but-reliable playmaker at the quarterback position ever since Manziel left College Station following the 2013 season, and if “Johnny Football” can help Reed take his game to the next level in 2025, the Aggies’ search might be over — at least for the next few years.

“We only talked about a  week ago, so it hasn’t grown too much yet, but I’m sure as the season goes by, the bond will be stronger and stronger,” Reed said on SportsCenter.

Johnny Manziel ‘expecting better things’ from Texas A&M, Mike Elko in 2025

Johnny Manziel might not suit up on Saturdays anymore, but he’ll always be an Aggie. During an appearance on Mostly Sports with Mark Titus & Brandon Walker, the legendary Texas A&M quarterback discussed his involvement with the program and his expectations for the Aggies this year.

“I had a good conversation with Marcel Reed this week,” Manziel said. “I’ve been watching some practice film and stuff, trying to give him some pointers that I think could help him out. But, [I’m] excited for [head coach Mike] Elko, the vibe he brings, what he means to the program. He embraces the Aggie Spirit.

“So, expecting better things. I say this every single year, but I feel confident with where we are. We really have some players. He’s done a good job recruiting. So, you know, I’m hoping for the best.”

If Reed can play nearly as well as Manziel did during his time at Texas A&M, the Aggies are in for an exciting year. Manziel amassed 7,820 passing yards and 63 touchdowns during his two seasons as Texas A&M’s full-time starter.