Mike Elko is 'really excited' to watch junior RB after full offseason

Texas A&M's 2026 running back room entered the offseason with several question marks after veteran Le'Veon Moss departed for the NFL, but he shockingly announced his retirement from football after signing his UDFA deal with the Miami Dolphins. Moss's 2025 backup, redshirt junior Rueben Owens, will now take over the No. 1 option in the backfield, paired with rising sophomore Jamarion Morrow.

After Moss was last for all but one game after the Aggies' home win vs. Florida, Rueben Owens, a former five-star prospect with his own past injury issues, took full advantage of the opportunity just a week after rushing for a career-high 142 yards against Mississippi State.

Finishing the season with 639 rushing yards and five touchdowns, Owens averaged 5.4 yards per carry, but only produced 48 and 21 yards against Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff. While the offensive line can also be blamed for this drop-off, Owens struggled to keep his balance against the Longhorns, leading to missed opportunities early in the game.

Still, Owens is one of the fastest athletes on the roster, and after bulking up this summer, his role as an every-down back, especially in the passing game, is something coach Mike Elko has discussed this offseason, including a brief statement during Wednesday's Dallas Coaches' Night. Heading into his first full offseason with zero health issues, Owens is on track to produce his best numbers.

"We are really excited about what Rueben is going to be able to bring to the table."

On paper, Jamarion Morrow looks like the best one-cut running back on the roster, and combined with Owen's speed and versatility, Texas A&M's backfield possesses enough depth to get through the season, hoping both players stay healthy and pair well with the newly formed offensive line.