Two years ago, Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed kick-started a three-game LSU skid. Last fall, he ended Brian Kelly’s tenure as the Tigers football coach.
Reed had plenty of help from his Aggie teammates in College Station and Tiger Stadium, but his play, specifically his running ability, torched Blake Baker’s defense in consecutive blowout Aggie wins.
A&M outscored LSU 31-6 after halftime in 2024 and 35-7 after intermission last year. Over three halves of football (Reed was inserted at halftime in 2024), Reed has amassed 170 rushing yards, 272 passing yards and been responsible for seven touchdowns.
LSU hasn’t had an answer. Teams have this year, especially Kentucky which picked Reed off twice, and limited his rushing ability for the majority of the game. The junior quarterback ran for 80 yards, but half of that came on one play.
“In order for him to be able to run the ball, people have to be able to create opportunities for him,” Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said. “Over his time here, he’s not a guy who you design a lot of quarterback runs like you’ve seen from some of the 225-230-pound quarterbacks over the years. He’s a guy that gets on the edge and gets around and gets loose. Some teams allow him that opportunity, and some teams take that away from him, and I think that’s really more what it plays into.”
Reed is listed as just 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, but he’s knifed through LSU’s defense with ease using his speed and ability to extend plays.
Baker has seen it for two seasons and will have to have his team more prepared this time around. Facing the mobility of Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss a week ago was a good primer.
“Just gotta plaster drill when he gets out of the pocket,” LSU senior safety Ty Benefield said. “Keep him in the pocket as much as we can. Stay disciplined in coverage. Don’t be too greedy, but he’s gonna test your rules. He’s good at what he does.”
Reed has started 24 games and played in six more. He’s a seasoned SEC quarterback, but his first month has been bumpy in 2026. He’s only completing 60% of his throws. That’s last among the 16 SEC starters, as are his passer rating of 123.9 and his yards per attempt at 6.1.
The Aggies are 15th in the SEC in yards per play. Only 10 teams in the country have produced fewer 20-plus yard plays from scrimmage.
LSU knows that Reed is capable. As Elko has said, oftentimes he strikes when the opponent makes a mistake. However, Reed is the one making the mistakes more often this season.
“I think you saw (Reed) at times look the way we want him to look, and again that inconsistency showed up,” Elko said. “I think we continue to evaluate the best way to put him in the positions for him to be the most successful that he can be.”
As far as LSU’s mindset goes, the Tigers have to shake off a dazzling performance from the opposing quarterback a week ago, and get ready for another veteran who should feel quite comfortable in a place he helped drain a year ago.
“Just executing your job, not being too greedy trying to make other plays, and being calm out there and realizing like all the reps you get throughout the offseason and the amazing job the coaches do to prepare you,” Benefield said. “Just calm down, do your job, and be yourself because that’s going to be enough.”
