The Notre Dame program is set to kick off the 2024 campaign on Saturday night against the Texas A&M Aggies. On paper, there is a lot to like about this Aggie program under new head coach Mike Elko. He’s a tremendous coach, and should get this team heading in the right direction.

On the defensive side of the football, this is a unit that could take a massive step very quickly. That improves several strengths, as well as some question marks to answer. Here is everything to know about the Aggies.

A&M Strengths

The Aggie defense should be very good this season, there is no doubt about it. Talent wasn’t an issue with the previous staff under Jimbo Fisher. Mike Elko and his staff’s presence should create an almost immediate improvement to this unit.

Defensive line upside

There has been no more regurgitated headline concerning Texas A&M this offseason than the depth of their defensive line, and honestly, it’s warranted. They are led by former Purdue transfer Nic Scourton, who recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss a year ago. Shemar Turner is back, and now causing havoc on the inside. The breakout star this offseason has been Shemar Stewart, who seems to have made a sizable leap entering his junior year. This group is big, super athletic, and extremely deep.

Taurean York

If you are family with Aggie football, you know how much that fanbase loved former Texas A&M star Dat Nguyen. The fans don’t throw around that comp often but he is a player who York has been compared to this offseason. Although he isn’t the biggest linebacker in the world at 6-0 and 235 pounds, York is extremely athletic and smart. The Aggies expect him to be the leader of their defense in 2024.

Mike Elko’s expertise

The previous regime didn’t get nearly enough out of their team’s overall talent. There is a belief that Coach Elko will quickly be able to get the most out of that talent, and begin to fast track that development. Based on his career as both a defensive coordinator and head coach, there is reason to be more optimistic. Coach Elko is a tremendous football coach, and you can bet there will be buy in and an attention to detail.

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A&M Question Marks

As is the case with any team, there are going to be question marks to answer. On the defensive side of the football, the list is much smaller. However, there are some areas of concern to figure out this fall.

Spotty secondary

For as talented as the Aggies are up front, there does seem to be some absence in the secondary. There are still some talented players like cornerback Tyreek Chappell and safety Bryce Anderson, but there isn’t enough proven talent right now. If the defensive line isn’t able to get home, the secondary could be tested by an improved Notre Dame wide receiver group.

Interior defensive line

Moving Shemar Turner inside certainly strengthens the interior defensive line, in theory anyway. Turner is a very talented player but he is more of a finesse player, so there are questions for just how good he can be holding the point of attack and playing consistently inside. Players like Albert Regis, DJ Hicks and Wisconsin transfer Rodas Johnson will be counted upon to make an impact. Just how good this unit will be is a question right now.

Jay Bateman

There’s a lot to be excited about under Coach Elko, who has put together a quality staff. The exception, at least on paper, is defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. The last time we saw Bateman as a defensive play caller for the North Carolina Tar Heels before spending the 2023 season on the Florida Gators staff. His resume is less than impressive as a coordinator, and is a very questionable hire for a great defensive mind like Elko.