40 Facts About Texas A&M Football

The Early Days of Texas A&M Football

Texas A&M football has a rich history that dates back over a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its early years and development.

1. First Season: Texas A&M first fielded a football team in 1894, under the direction of head coach F. Dudley Perkins. The team compiled a 1–1 record in its inaugural season.

2. Athletic Director: The current athletic director at Texas A&M is Trev Alberts, who oversees the entire athletic program, including football.

3. Head Coach: As of the 2023 season, the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team is Mike Elko, who is in his first season at the helm.

Kyle Field: The Heart of Aggie Football

Kyle Field is more than just a stadium; it's a symbol of Aggie pride and tradition. Here are some key facts about this iconic venue.

4. Stadium: The Aggies play all their home games at Kyle Field, a 102,733-person capacity outdoor stadium located on the university campus. The stadium was originally built in 1904 and has undergone several renovations, including a major renovation in 2015 that increased its capacity and introduced state-of-the-art facilities.

5. Field Surface: The field surface at Kyle Field has changed over the years. It was originally grass from 1927 to 1969, then AstroTurf from 1970 to 1995, and finally bermudagrass from 1996 to the present day.

6. Seating Capacity: Kyle Field has a seating capacity of 102,733, making it the largest stadium in the SEC and the fourth-largest in the NCAA.

7. Record Attendance: The Aggies shattered school, SEC, and Texas state records for attendance in 2014 with 110,633 fans attending a game against Ole Miss. This record was set during a game that also broke the previous SEC record of 109,061 set in 2004 at Neyland Stadium.

Conference and Division Play

Texas A&M has competed in various conferences over the years, each adding to its storied history.

8. NCAA Division: Texas A&M competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

9. Conference: The Aggies are part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), specifically in the Western Division. They previously competed in the Big 12 Conference from 1996 to 2011 and the Southwest Conference (SWC) from 1915 to 1996.

10. All-Time Record: The all-time record for Texas A&M football stands at 778–504–48, with a winning percentage of .603.

11. Bowl Record: The Aggies have appeared in 36 bowl games, posting a 17-19 record (.472 winning percentage).

Championships and Titles

Winning titles and championships is a significant part of Texas A&M's football legacy.

12. National Titles: Texas A&M claims three national titles: 1919, 1927, and 1939. The team also went undefeated in 1917, although this title is unclaimed.

13. Conference Titles: The Aggies have won 18 conference titles, with 17 of those coming from the SWC and one from the Big 12.

14. Division Titles: Texas A&M has won three division titles: in 1997, 1998, and 2010.

Rivalries and Traditions

Rivalries and traditions are the lifeblood of college football, and Texas A&M has plenty of both.

15. Rivalries: The Aggies have significant rivalries with Arkansas, LSU, and Texas. These rivalries add to the excitement and intensity of their games.

16. Tradition of the 12th Man: One of the most storied traditions at Kyle Field is the “12th Man.” This tradition started in 1922 when the team was down to only 11 players due to injuries. A student, E. King Gill, volunteered to suit up and stand ready to play if needed, symbolizing the support and spirit of the fans. Today, the 12th Man represents the entire Aggie fanbase and their unwavering commitment to the team.

Individual Achievements and Honors

Individual players and coaches have also left their mark on Texas A&M football.

17. Heisman Winners: Two Aggies have won the Heisman Trophy: John David Crow in 1957 and Johnny Manziel in 2012.

18. Consensus All-Americans: Thirty-three Aggies have been named consensus All-Americans, a testament to the program's consistent excellence.

19. College Football Hall of Fame Coaches: Six Texas A&M coaches are inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: Madison A. "Matty" Bell, Dana X. Bible, Paul "Bear" Bryant, Homer H. Norton, Gene Stallings, and R.C. Slocum.

20. College Football Hall of Fame Players: Twelve Aggies are inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: Ray Childress, John David Crow, Dave Elmendorf, Jacob Green, Joel Hunt, John Kimbrough, Charlie Krueger, Dat Nguyen, Jack Pardee, Joe Routt, Gene Stallings, and Joe Utay.

21. Pro Football Hall of Fame Players: One Aggie is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Yale Lary.

The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and Mascot

No game day at Kyle Field is complete without the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and Reveille, the beloved mascot.

22. Marching Band: The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, formed in 1894, performs at every home game and is considered the largest marching band in North America.

23. Mascot: Reveille, a live dog, has been the Aggies' mascot since 1931. The first Reveille was a small black and white mutt, and since Reveille III, the mascot has been a female Collie.

Memorable Seasons and Records

Some seasons and records stand out in the long history of Texas A&M football.

24. Highest Rankings: The Aggies have achieved their highest finish in the AP poll at No. 1 in 1939. The next-highest finish is No. 5, which they have done twice: in 1956 under Bear Bryant and in 2012 under Kevin Sumlin.

25. Shutout Seasons: The two most dominant seasons in Texas A&M history are 1917 and 1919. In both of those years, the Aggies didn’t allow a single point and went undefeated, compiling an 18-0 record across the two years.

26. Coaching History: Since 1894, Texas A&M has employed 31 head coaches. Charles Moran has the highest winning percentage at .800 over six seasons, while R.C. Slocum holds the school’s wins record with 123 wins over 14 seasons.

Modern Success and Growth

Texas A&M continues to grow and succeed in the modern era, both on and off the field.

27. Home Sweet Home: Texas A&M’s stadium, Kyle Field, was originally built in 1905 with bleachers that accommodated 500 fans. It was unofficially named for professor E.J. Kyle, but the nickname stuck. From that original capacity, the stadium now holds more than 102,000 fans.

28. NFL Stars: Ryan Tannehill, who played just one full year at quarterback for the Aggies after moving to wide receiver early in his career, is the Aggies’ most successful quarterback at the professional level. In his three seasons since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round, Tannehill has started all 48 of his career games.

29. Enrollment Growth: Texas A&M’s fall 2011 enrollment was 49,861, while its fall 2023 enrollment was 77,369. This significant growth reflects the increasing popularity and academic excellence of the university.

30. Fundraising Success: The 12th Man Foundation, which supports Texas A&M athletics, raised $20.6 million in the fiscal year that ended in August 2011. By April 25, 2022, the foundation had launched the Centennial Campaign, committing $122.9 million from 380 donors in that fiscal year alone.

31. Recruiting Success: Texas A&M has had top-ten recruiting classes from 2019 to 2023. The highest-ranked recruiting class in their final six seasons in the Big 12 was 16th, with the Aggies finishing eighth, fourth, and 12th in the nation from 2013 to 2015.

32. Rivalry Renewal: The rivalry between Texas A&M and Texas has been renewed since both teams joined the SEC. The attendance numbers for their games in different sports, such as baseball, have shown that both fan bases are passionate and dedicated. When there’s an actual game to be played, they show up in record numbers.

33. Competitive Landscape: Texas A&M’s start in the SEC was promising, with an 11–2 season led by Johnny Manziel, the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. However, since then, Texas has made significant strides, including a College Football Playoff appearance and a first-round NFL prospect at quarterback. This has led to a competitive landscape where both teams are vying for dominance in the SEC.

34. Notable Features: Kyle Field boasts numerous notable features, including its visually stunning architecture, a state-of-the-art high-definition video board, the 12th Man statue, and the iconic Aggie War Hymn played by the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

35. Tailgating Scene: Tailgating at Kyle Field is an event in itself. The surrounding parking lots transform into lively gathering spaces filled with delicious food, music, and Aggie camaraderie. It is a tradition cherished by fans, creating lasting memories before every game.

36. Panoramic View: The panoramic view of the campus and the city of College Station is another astounding feature of Kyle Field. With its tiered seating and open-air design, spectators can enjoy breathtaking vistas while cheering on the Aggies.

37. Renovations: Kyle Field underwent a massive renovation in 2015, which not only increased its capacity but also introduced state-of-the-art design elements such as luxury suites, club areas, and a stunning five-story video scoreboard.

38. Current Uniforms: The Aggies wear maroon and white uniforms, with Adidas serving as their outfitter. The team's fight song is the Aggie War Hymn, and their mascot is Reveille, a live dog.

39. Venue History: Kyle Field has been the home of the Aggies since 1904, with the current permanent concrete stadium built in 1927. The stadium has undergone several renovations, including the 2015 renovation that increased its capacity and introduced state-of-the-art facilities.

40. Highest Rankings: The Aggies have achieved their highest finish in the AP poll at No. 1 in 1939. The next-highest finish is No. 5, which they have done twice: in 1956 under Bear Bryant and in 2012 under Kevin Sumlin.

The Legacy of Texas A&M Football

Texas A&M football boasts a rich history filled with tradition, excellence, and community spirit. From its first season in 1894 to the present, the Aggies have built a legacy that resonates with fans and alumni alike. Kyle Field, with its massive 102,733 capacity, stands as a testament to the program's growth and success. The 12th Man tradition embodies the unwavering support of the Aggie fanbase. With three national titles, 18 conference titles, and two Heisman winners, Texas A&M has cemented its place in college football history. The program's commitment to excellence is evident in its top-tier recruiting classes and the success of its alumni in the NFL. Texas A&M football isn't just about the game; it's about the spirit, the traditions, and the community that make it special. The Aggies' legacy continues to inspire and unite fans across generations.