With less than two weeks before Texas A&M opens the 2026 season, preseason honors are rolling in across college football. On Tuesday, three Aggies- quarterback Marcel Reed, running back Rueben Owens II, and wide receiver Terry Bussey- were named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award preseason watchlist.
A&M enters the fall with a wave of new faces after 10 starters were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, but several veterans are now stepping into their third season under head coach Mike Elko, tasked with keeping the program performing at a championship level despite the turnover.
Reed is no stranger to the award conversation. He remained in contention deep into last season before former Aggie quarterback Haynes King ultimately won the honor. Now, Reed returns as one of the nation’s most dynamic dual‑threat quarterbacks and a central figure in A&M’s push to remain in the national spotlight.
Owens enters the year as one of the Aggies’ lead backs and is expected to get the first crack at the starting role. He’s spent the offseason focused on becoming a more complete player, improving his pass protection, route running, and physicality between the tackles.
Bussey, meanwhile, has steadily carved out his place in the offense. His biggest impact to date has come on special teams, where he’s been consistently reliable. But this spring marked a turning point. Bussey made a noticeable jump at wide receiver and is widely viewed as a breakout candidate heading into the fall.
All three will play major roles in shaping A&M’s season, but only one can ultimately take home the Rose Award.
Three Aggies land on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List👍#GigEm | https://t.co/tVLuaPRLnupic.twitter.com/b6VK1mHzIA
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) August 25, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M trio selected for Earl Campbell Rose Award watchlist
