Date: August 28, 2024

College Station, TX – Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown as the No. 20 Aggies prepare to face off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in their season opener. The matchup presents a unique challenge for Elko, who is no stranger to the Irish, having served as their defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2018.

Elko, who took the reins at Texas A&M in 2022, has steadily built a formidable program. However, Week One’s clash against Notre Dame will be a true test of the Aggies’ mettle as they look to make an early statement in the 2024 college football season.

“We’re excited about this opportunity,” Elko said during a press conference earlier this week. “Playing against a team like Notre Dame, with their history and talent, is exactly the kind of challenge we want to embrace right out of the gate. Our guys have been working hard all offseason, and we’re ready to see how we stack up.”

The game will also mark a reunion of sorts for Elko, who helped guide Notre Dame to a top-10 defense during his tenure. Now, leading the Aggies, he’ll look to leverage his deep understanding of the Irish’s defensive schemes to give Texas A&M the upper hand.

Notre Dame, coming off a strong 2023 season, will not make it easy for the Aggies. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have solidified their position as a powerhouse in college football, and they enter the season with aspirations of a national championship run.

For the Aggies, a win in Week One could set the tone for a successful season and boost their standing in the rankings. The game is poised to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to start the season on a high note.

Kickoff is set for this Saturday at Kyle Field, where Aggie fans will be out in full force to support their team in what promises to be a memorable opener.