Phil Steele, a former ESPN insider who publishes Phil Steele’s College Football Preview magazine each and every season, released the 2023 version of his magazine recently.

This year, Steele named the most improved teams across the country from last season to the upcoming season.

No. 1 on his list? Texas A&M.

The Aggies had a very bizarre season in 2022. Many outlets predicted Texas A&M would battle for a spot in the College Football Playoff at the beginning of the year, but instead the Aggies missed out on a bowl game on their way to a 5-7 record. It was their first time missing a bowl since 2008.

So why exactly will they improve? Steele points to Texas A&M’s strong defense as the catalyst, noting that the Aggies return 10 starters from a team that allowed just over 21 points per game in 2022.

The Aggies also return their top 3 receivers and should get increased production from QB Connor Weigman as he continues to learn the reigns of the offense. And with Bobby Petrino coming in to lead the offense in place of Fisher’s dreadful playcalling last season, the scoreboard should flash some more, too.

There’s saying it, then there’s doing it. The Aggies face a backloaded, tough schedule (Alabama, at Tennessee, at Ole Miss and at LSU) and will be fighting high expectations once again heading into Year 6 of the Jimbo Fisher era.

Let’s see if A&M is up for the challenge.