Texas A&M 2025 Season preview: RB
AggieYell.com’s preview of the 2025 Texas A&M football team continues with the running backs.
Cast of characters
#8, Le’Veon Moss; Sr.; 5-11, 210 (Preseason All-SEC)
#5, Amari Daniels; Sr.; 5-8, 197
#4, Rueben Owens; RS-So.; 5-11, 215
#22, EJ Smith; Gr.; 5-11, 211
#23, Jamarion Morrow; Fr.; 5-9, 205
#26, Tiger Riden; Fr.; 5-10, 212
2024 stats
Moss, 121 carries, 765 yards (6.3 YPC), 10 TD in 9 games
Daniels, 139 carries, 661 yards (4.8 YPC), 8 TD in 12 games
Smith, 54 carries, 207 yards (3.8 YPC) in 12 games
Owens, 16 carries, 66 yards (4.1 YPC) in 2 games
Overview
Last year, the Aggies ended the season with their top back injured, their top backups playing hurt and the running back that could have been the starter coming back early from an injury to try to help. In other words, it was a mess.
But hope springs eternal and this year’s Texas A&M backfield includes its entire 2024 stable and two 4-star freshmen. It should be one of the nation’s elite running back groups — if everyone stays healthy.
Moss is the unquestioned starter after breaking out last season and becoming the centerpiece of the offense. He was All-SEC at the end of last year and a preseason pick this year. There’s no question about his talent or production; the question is whether he can stay healthy. He suffered a serious knee injury against South Carolina last year to end his season, and he’s never finished a college season without being hurt.
Daniels gutted his way through a shoulder injury to serve as the primary back down the stretch and proved he’s an effective SEC back. But his role as the top backup isn’t a certainty, as Owens is back and looks as good as he ever has.
Smith, who has dealt with injuries virtually throughout his entire collegiate career — including last year — is said to be healthy this time around. If so, he could be an asset as a third down back or relief if the big three are worn down (or worse, injured).
Unlike last year, the Aggies have some youth they can turn to if need be. Four-stars Jamarion Morrow and Tiger Riden signed last December and were on campus a few weeks later, giving them extra time in the program. Even though the plan is almost certainly to redshirt them, Morrow and Riden give added comfort in the case of injuries.
The spotlight’s on
Owens. The Aggies know what they have in Moss and Daniels, but Owens could have more natural talent than either of them. There’s almost certainly going to be a time this fall when the Aggies will need for him to step up, and if he’s up to the task, then this group truly will be elite.
Projected depth chart
Moss
Owens
Daniels
Smith
Morrow
Riden
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