“It’s very personal,” says Texas A&M, who are eager to exact revenge on Auburn.

That’s the message coming out of College Station, where the Texas A&M Aggies are preparing for one of the biggest games of their 2025 season — a matchup against the Auburn Tigers. For the Aggies, this isn’t just another game on the schedule. It’s a chance to set the record straight. It’s about pride, redemption, and proving a point. Auburn embarrassed Texas A&M last season, and now the Aggies want revenge.

The 2024 game between these two teams still stings for A&M fans and players. Auburn came into Kyle Field and walked away with a shocking 31-17 win. It wasn’t just the score that hurt — it was how it happened. The Tigers dominated both sides of the ball. They played faster, smarter, and tougher. Auburn’s quarterback made big plays, and their defense made the Aggies look lost. The home crowd went silent by the fourth quarter. For Texas A&M, that defeat wasn’t just a bad game — it was a wake-up call.

Now, a year later, the Aggies haven’t forgotten. The players talk about it in interviews. The coaches show film from that game during team meetings. “Every practice, we’re reminded of what happened last year,” said senior linebacker Tyrese Morris. “They came into our house and embarrassed us. This year, it’s different. It’s personal.”

Head coach Mike Elko, now in his second season leading Texas A&M, has made it clear that the team’s mindset has changed. After replacing Jimbo Fisher, Elko focused on discipline, culture, and toughness. He knows how important this game is — not just for standings, but for respect. “You don’t get many chances to fix a loss like that,” Elko said. “We’ve had this one circled for a while.”

The Aggies come into the 2025 season with new energy. After finishing 9-4 last year, they’ve added key talent through recruiting and the transfer portal. Quarterback Conner Weigman returns fully healthy after missing time last year, and he’s looked sharp in spring practices. Wide receivers Moose Muhammad III and Evan Stewart provide speed and experience, while the offensive line — a weakness last season — looks stronger and more organized.

Defensively, Texas A&M is loaded. The front seven features several future NFL draft picks, including defensive end Shemar Turner and linebacker Tyrese Morris. The Aggies are aggressive, physical, and ready to punish opposing offenses. And they’ve been waiting to face Auburn all offseason.

Meanwhile, the Auburn Tigers haven’t forgotten either. Head coach Hugh Freeze used last year’s win over A&M as a key part of building momentum for his program. It was one of Auburn’s biggest wins of the 2024 season, and it helped quiet some early critics. But Freeze knows Texas A&M will be out for blood this year. “We expect their best shot,” Freeze said. “They’re going to be ready. We have to match their energy.”

The game will take place in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, where the Tigers have one of the most passionate home crowds in college football. That could give them an advantage, but the Aggies aren’t worried. In fact, they’re embracing the challenge. “We want to beat them in their house, just like they did to us,” said running back Amari Daniels. “That’s the only way it feels right.”

The players aren’t the only ones fired up. Texas A&M fans have been vocal about this game on social media and talk radio. Many believe that last year’s loss was a turning point — the moment when the team realized things had to change. Now, they want proof that progress has been made. Beating Auburn would be that proof.

There’s also a bigger picture to consider. In the new-look SEC with no more divisions, every conference game matters even more. One early loss can knock a team out of the championship race. Texas A&M wants to start strong and show that they belong in the top tier. A win over Auburn would send a clear message to the rest of the conference.

But it won’t be easy. Auburn is tough, especially at home. Their defense is fast and physical, and their offense has a strong ground game led by junior running back Jarquez Hunter. Quarterback Robby Ashford is dangerous with his legs and improving as a passer. The Tigers are confident, and they know how important it is to protect their home turf.

Still, Texas A&M believes this is their year. The coaching staff has been focused on fixing the mistakes that cost them in 2024. They’ve spent months studying Auburn’s schemes, tendencies, and weaknesses. They’ve also worked hard to improve communication on the field, especially on defense. Last year, blown coverages and missed tackles killed their chances. This time, they plan to be ready for everything.

One of the biggest keys to the game will be quarterback play. Weigman has the arm, the accuracy, and the leadership to control the game. If he can stay calm under pressure and avoid turnovers, Texas A&M will have a strong chance. On the other side, Auburn’s Ashford is more of a playmaker with his feet. The Aggies will have to contain him and force him to throw from the pocket.

Another key will be the battle in the trenches. Last year, Auburn’s offensive line bullied Texas A&M’s defense. That can’t happen again. If the Aggies can control the line of scrimmage and stop the run, they’ll force Auburn into uncomfortable situations. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman has been working on new blitz packages and coverage looks to confuse the Tigers’ offense.

Special teams could also play a big role. Close SEC games often come down to field position, kicking, and big returns. A&M kicker Randy Bond has been reliable, but the Aggies want more from their return game. A big play on special teams could swing momentum in a tight contest.

As the game approaches, the excitement is building. Coaches are focused, players are hungry, and fans are counting the days. Everyone at Texas A&M knows what’s at stake. This isn’t just about beating Auburn — it’s about redemption, respect, and making a statement.

The phrase “It’s very personal” is more than just words. It reflects how the players feel, how the coaches prepare, and how the fanbase has rallied around this team. They remember the pain of last year. They remember the silence in the stadium, the headlines, the jokes. Now, they want to flip the script.

If Texas A&M wins, it could be a launchpad for a special season. A sign that the program is truly back on track. If they lose again, it would be a major setback — and questions would start to swirl. That’s why this game is so important. It’s not just about revenge. It’s about proving who they are.

In college football, emotions matter. Motivation matters. And for Texas A&M, this game has all the fuel they need. The coaches are focused. The players are locked in. The mission is clear.