Texas A&M's secondary ranked 5th nationally in catch rate allowed

Texas A&M’s defense has had its share of issues this season, mainly due to the lack of pass rush, registering just seven sacks this year after ranking second nationally last season. Third-year coach Mike Elko said before the season that the Aggies’ secondary was the “best group” he’s ever coached, but outside cornerbacks Dezz Ricks and Bravion Rogers have made it average, at best.

The numbers don’t lie, as the Aggie secondary has given up too many explosive plays, especially in early losses to Kentucky and LSU, while, despite an impressive first-half performance against Alabama, QB Keelon Russell picked on Texas A&M’s nickel rotation, finding wide receiver Rico Scott time after time, recording a season-high six receptions for 156 yards.

However, Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor’s updated secondary rankings revealed that the Aggies have the fifth-lowest catch rate allowed percentage in the country (53.4%), which, if starting quarterback Marcel Reed wasn’t playing at such a poor level, Texas A&M would likely be sitting at 7-1 or 6-2, especially after watching the Aggies’ defense keep things close against the Crimson Tide.

Among SEC teams, only Missouri (7th) and Oklahoma (10th) come close to the Aggies in catch rate allowed, as Dezz Ricks’ impressive season, outside of allowing 125 yards and a touchdown against LSU, should result in the former five-star prospect and Alabama transfer being selected much higher than expected in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Lowest catch rate allowed, FBS secondaries:

Kansas State: 46.5%
Utah: 49.1%
UCLA: 50.0%
UL-Monroe: 52.9%
Texas A&M: 53.4%
Sam Houston: 53.5%
Missouri: 53.5%
TCU: 54.0%
UMass: 54.2%
Oklahoma: 54.6%
Toledo: 54.7%
Nebraska: 54.8%
UCF: 55.0%
New Mexico: 55.1%
UTSA: 55.1%
Air Force:… pic.twitter.com/t8lE7jH3eB

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 28, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s secondary ranked 5th nationally in catch rate allowed