The No. 4 Texas A&M Aggies are facing a significant challenge to their College Football Playoff hopes as their leading rusher, star running back Le’Veon Moss, has been sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury suffered during Saturday’s crucial win over Florida. While his season is not over, his absence thrusts sophomore Rueben Owens II into the primary ball-carrier role, testing the depth of the unbeaten Aggies’ talented backfield.
The undefeated No. 4 Texas A&M Aggies received challenging news on Monday, with head coach Mike Elko confirming that standout running back Le’Veon Moss will miss a significant period of time due to an ankle injury. The injury occurred during the first half of Saturday’s 38-28 victory over Florida, a win that propelled the Aggies to a 6-0 record and cemented their position in the top tier of college football contenders.
Moss’s Season Cut Short, Again: A Troubling Pattern Emerges
Before his injury in the second quarter against Florida, Moss had already made his mark with five carries for 46 yards, including a highlight 22-yard touchdown run. This strong start was a continuation of an impressive 2025 campaign, where he led the Aggies with 70 carries for 389 yards and six touchdowns through six games. His impact on the field was undeniable, contributing significantly to Texas A&M’s balanced offensive attack which averages over 180 rushing yards per contest, as reported by BCS NN.
The setback marks a particularly unfortunate turn for Moss, as this is the second consecutive season he has suffered a significant injury. He missed the final four games of the 2024 season due to a severe knee injury, which included torn ACL and MCL ligaments. While coach Elko has assured fans that this ankle injury will “certainly not end his season,” the prospect of losing their star back for an extended period is a tough pill to swallow for the team and its passionate fanbase.
Coach Elko praised Moss’s dedication and resilience, stating, “I love Le’Veon. I wish Le’Veon was healthy. We’re going to miss him. He’s been a warrior for this program. He’s given us everything he had to get ready for this season. I hope this goes as fast and as smooth as it can, but injuries are a part of SEC football. And if we’re going to allow injuries to impact or derail things, we can’t do that.” His words underscore the inherent physical toll of playing in one of college football’s most demanding conferences.
Rueben Owens II Steps Up: A Five-Star Talent’s Time to Shine
With Moss sidelined, the Aggies will now turn to sophomore Rueben Owens II to lead the ground game. Owens, a former five-star recruit, has been a key contributor this season, currently ranking second on the team with 327 rushing yards and one touchdown. His recent performances offer significant encouragement for the road ahead. In the win over Florida, he rushed for 51 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season. This followed a career-high 142 yards rushing a week prior in a victory against Mississippi State.
Coach Elko expressed confidence in Owens’s ability to take on the increased workload. “Rueben’s a lot bigger than people give him credit for,” Elko noted. “Rueben’s starting to hit his stride, which has been really good.” This suggests that the coaching staff has been preparing Owens for an expanded role, and his recent success indicates he is ready for the challenge.
Supporting Cast: Daniels and Morrow to Provide Depth
Beyond Owens, the Aggies‘ running back depth chart also includes senior Amari Daniels and freshman Jamarion Morrow. Both players are expected to see increased opportunities and “pitch in” while Moss recovers, according to Elko. This collective effort will be crucial as Texas A&M navigates the heart of its SEC schedule.
The Road Ahead: Maintaining Momentum Without Moss
The Aggies‘ 6-0 start has positioned them firmly in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth. However, the loss of Moss—who accounted for a significant portion of their offensive production, including his performance in the Florida game as detailed by this AP News report—will undoubtedly test the team’s resolve and depth. The ability of Owens, Daniels, and Morrow to collectively fill the void left by their leading rusher will be a major storyline in the coming weeks.
Texas A&M now faces the first of three consecutive road games, beginning this Saturday at Arkansas. Maintaining their unbeaten record and navigating a demanding conference slate without a key offensive weapon will be a true measure of their championship aspirations. The team’s current position in the rankings, which can be tracked via the official AP Top 25 Poll, underscores the high stakes involved.
For fans, the situation brings a mix of concern for Moss and excitement for the potential emergence of Owens and the other young backs. The “next man up” philosophy is a core tenet of college football, and how Texas A&M responds to this significant injury will define the trajectory of their 2025 season. The resilience of this Aggies squad will be under intense scrutiny as they aim to prove they can continue their winning ways even without their star running back.
