Mike Elko Apologizes for TexAgs Remark After Texas A&M Loss

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko apologized Monday, Oct. 12, for criticizing an online community associated with Aggies supporters following a 27-6 defeat at Missouri. The remarks, which targeted TexAgs and referenced its co-owner Billy Liucci, drew criticism as the team fell to 3-3 after losing three of its last four games.

Elko addressed the controversy at a news conference attended by Liucci, acknowledging that his postgame response was inappropriate. The coach also accepted responsibility for the team's struggles, which have undermined expectations following Texas A&M's College Football Playoff appearance last season.

Elko said his original comments came during an emotional moment after the Missouri loss.

"In the heat of the moment, I think I answered a question in a way I certainly regret. I think everybody knows I have a tremendous relationship with Billy. I appreciate Billy.

I appreciate him being here today. There's nothing about Billy and I that has ever been off since 2018. I think everybody knows I appreciate our fan base and everything they're about and everything they mean to Texas A&M.

Outside of that, I'll leave it alone." Elko said.

The controversy began Saturday when a reporter asked Elko what message he had for supporters losing confidence in the team. He distinguished between the broader fan base and online criticism before directing a pointed remark at the community associated with Liucci.

"There's a difference to me between the fan base and social media. So there's one group that I really don't care much about. Billy's cesspool can go be Billy's cesspool.

Our fan base, stay with us, be behind us. We're going to build something that we told you we were going to build. So we're in a really bad spot right now, but we'll work our way out of it."

Elko said after the game.

Elko revisited the incident Monday, saying the wording and the way the comments circulated did not reflect his intentions. He emphasized that he had not blamed outside criticism for the team's poor performance.

"I regret the way it was taken. I regret the way it came out. I regret the way it ran.

That certainly was never my intention and certainly throughout the course of that interview, at no point did I ever lend any blame to anything other than myself. I am the reason why this team is struggling. I have owned that since this has started.

I continue to own that. It's my job to figure out how to get it better." Elko said.

Liucci had criticized the initial remarks on social media, arguing that singling out a large portion of the fan community immediately after a heavy defeat was unnecessary. He later said on Wake Up Barstool that he understood Elko had not intended to attack him personally.

Reactions among TexAgs users were divided. Some supported the coach's decision to address the controversy directly, while others argued that improving the team's results mattered more than an apology.

The defeat at Missouri exposed substantial offensive problems. According to game statistics cited by sports coverage, Texas A&M finished with 216 total yards, including just 29 rushing yards on 23 attempts, and converted five of 18 third-down opportunities. The Aggies did not score a touchdown, with David Olano accounting for all six points through field goals of 53 and 27 yards.

Quarterback Marcel Reed completed 19 of 39 passes for 187 yards and threw two interceptions while being sacked three times. Missouri running back Jamal Roberts rushed for 222 yards and two touchdowns, contributing to the decisive result.

Elko has faced increased scrutiny after offensive coordinator Collin Klein departed to become head coach at Kansas State. Texas A&M entered the season with high expectations after an 11-2 campaign in 2025, when the Aggies reached the College Football Playoff for the first time before losing in the opening round to Miami, the eventual national runner-up.

Despite the disappointing start, Elko's overall record at Texas A&M remains 22-10. The former Aggies defensive coordinator, who held that role from 2018 through 2021, received a new six-year contract last November that runs through the 2031 season.

Texas A&M's next game is scheduled for Saturday against The Citadel at Kyle Field. The Aggies are also scheduled to visit Alabama on Oct. 24 as they attempt to recover from their early-season setbacks.