Texas A&M continues to resemble a young, transitioning team loaded with talent, but not quite to their peak.

This could be the last season “wait another year” is acceptable to Aggies fans. But the 2016 and 2017 seasons look like this team’s best shot to win an SEC West title during coach Kevin Sumlin’s tenure, dating back to the Johnny Manziel days.

RELATED: Best-case scenario — Aggies hit 10 wins with loaded roster, Chavis

Despite some subtle staff and technique changes on offense, A&M should be a sexy team to watch and will score points in bunches. The defense, too, features stars, headlined by defensive end Myles Garrett. But can new coordinator John Chavis turn around an awful run defense in just one year?

WHAT THE MAGAZINES ARE SAYING

ESPN: “With eight starters back on offense, including a core of explosive receivers, scoring once again shouldn’t be a problem for Kevin Sumlin’s Aggies. The question for A&M will be whether new coordinator John Chavis, formerly of LSU, can fix the leaky defense.”

Lindy’s Sports: “The defense should be much better with Chavis’ attacking style, fueled by Garrett’s ability to get the quarterback. In addition, Allen and the receiving corps may get a big boost from changes in the run game, giving the Aggies a play-action passing game.”

Athlon Sports: “The Aggies have a high-scoring offense loaded with big-play threats, so they can be a serious contender in the SEC with a respectable defense. How quickly can Chavis deliver?”

The Sporting News: “The Aggies bear similarities to last year’s Ole Miss team: eight starters returning on both sides from an 8-5 team, including an experienced quarterback and a defensive lineman about to blossom into greatness. A&M will have some losses, but could also win more than expected.”

Phil Steele: “[Texas A&M has] 16 [returning starters] and brings in esteemed former LSU DC John Chavis. A&M has gone from 11 to 9 to 8 wins the last few years but if they take care of business in College Station vs. Alabama [and] Auburn, they could be a surprise contender in the West.”

BEST PLAYERS

  • QB Kyle Allen
  • C Mike Matthews
  • WR/KR Speedy Noil
  • WR Josh Reynolds
  • DE Myles Garrett
  • S Armani Watts

WHAT WE LEARNED

  • Most all of us know DE Myles Garrett made 11.5 sacks in 2014. But I was surprised to read that Garrett finished second in the SEC with 37 quarterback hurries, according to ESPN. I’d seen writers contend anecdotally that Garrett had several near-sacks during SEC play last year, but this is hard proof. Garrett’s sack numbers should go up this year, at least against SEC teams.
  • Athlon Sports hinted at a staple of the Kevin Sumlin era, at least to this point: the Aggies have spent time ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll in each of the last four seasons. But Texas A&M only has finished as a top 10 team once during that span. At $5 million per season, one would imagine that Sumlin’s salary dictates the team contends for a conference title soon, or he may be out of a gig. Then again, that title window may get pried open full-blast in ’16 and beyond.
  • Punter Drew Kaser and dynamic returner Speedy Noil head up an excellent core of special teams players. But the Aggies need an answer at placekicker, as the reliable Josh Lambo is gone. Taylor Bertolet, a kickoff specialist, has been wildly inconsistent on field goal attempts. He should get the first opportunity, but according to Lindy’s Sports, freshman Daniel LaCamera is waiting for a turn as well.
  • From The Sporting News: “Texas A&M possessed talented but drop-prone wide receivers who at times ran poor routes. Welcome receivers coach Aaron Morehead from Virginia Tech, who won a Super Bowl ring in Indianapolis.”

BIGGEST AGREEMENT

When I preached that the Aggies’ offensive line was a disappointment last season, I felt alone on an island. Yes, I know the offensive stats looked nice, but the run game couldn’t get push in short-yardage situations. And with at least four NFL prospects starting along the line last year, it certainly wasn’t a dominant group in pass protection, either.

I was surprised to see the national media put a correct amount of emphasis on the hire of former Wyoming head coach Dave Christensen, which I think is a subtle, significant move. Christensen has changed the team’s technique and hopes to rewire the mindset as well.

If that happens, the Aggies should be more physical in the running game and make defenses even more confused about which poison pill to take.

BIGGEST DISAGREEMENT

Athlon Sports (sixth place) and The Sporting News (seventh place) aren’t expecting the Aggies to do much in the SEC West this season.

While I believe Auburn, Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss are the teams with a chance to win the division — probably in that order — I would be surprised if A&M finished last in the division.

With 40 players rated as four- or five-star recruits on the current roster, the Aggies are one of the most talented teams in the SEC based solely on personnel. This team has a huge talent edge ahead of Mississippi State and Arkansas, and there are a lot of reasons to believe the Aggies will win at least four SEC games this fall due to a favorable schedule.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Biggest Remaining Question: How much will the run defense improve in John Chavis’ first season?
Consensus Projection: 5th place, SEC West
Impact Newcomers: S Justin Evans, WR Christian Kirk