The Battalion — October 23, 2025

TRADITIONS

Four Battalion editors receive their Aggie gold during Aggie Ring Day at Association of Former Students A6-7

Aggies commit to sustainable future

A&M students participate in Campus Sustainability Month, work to spread awareness

By Cayenne Foster News Writer

October marks the celebration of Campus Sustainability Month, or CSM, across universities internationally. During the month, Texas A&M aims to shine light on environmental, social and economic sustainability, spreading awareness and encouraging meaningful change on campus.

This October, A&M’s Office of Sustainability & Campus Enrichment, or OSCE, is celebrating its 17th annual CSM. OSCE has organized in-person and virtual events to provide opportunities for students to explore and participate in sustainable practices on campus and across their communities.

On OSCE’s CSM website, students have access to a calendar of all organization events. During the first week of October, OSCE encouraged the use of sustainable transportation through their “Week Without Driving” challenge; it also encourages attendance at their intern CSM talks taking place throughout the month. By attending and participating in these events, students collect “code words” that they can use to enter a giveaway at the end of the month.

Oct. 15.

“[Campus Sustainability Day is] a way to bring together student organizations, campus departments and community partners who all kind of have a vested interest in sustainability,” Wellman said.

Students, organizations and faculty gathered at Rudder Plaza on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate Campus Sustainability Day and share their sustainable missions with students.

According to OSCE’s CSM website, its aim is to“expose, educate, and empower attendees with the skills they need to be more sustainable—environmentally, socially, and economically.”

A&M’s environmental goal is often the most recognized pillar of sustainability; however, Campus Sustainability Day also emphasized the importance of social and economic sustainability. Student organizations such as

ment of free period product dispensers on campus via the Period Project and the addition of recycling bins and water bottle filling stations in most buildings on campus. Although these projects are important, Cheng emphasized that students can make a difference by simply showing up.

“Being around like-minded people who also are trying to promote these same goals, is really important, and it also helps you feel a lot more driven in that I’m doing something,” Cheng said.

One major area Aggie Green Fund and Wellman want to focus on is social sustainability. They hope to improve campus efforts through initiatives such as the Period Project. With assistance from A&M’s H.E.A.T. chapter and other organizations, Aggie Green Fund was able to support the project financially.

SPORTS

No. 3 Texas A&M football travels to Death Valley to face No. 20 LSU in hopes of remaining undefeated A8

How ICE’s Bryan presence affects local community

As federal immigration enforcement enters Brazos Valley, residents, students voice concern over operations

By Amber Pettit News Reporter

In the past month, videos showing United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents at multiple worksites in Bryan have circulated across social media. The footage, which appears to show agents pursuing individuals, has raised questions and concerns among community members about ICE’s presence in the Bryan-College Station area.

According to a KBTX report, Bryan became one of the latest Texas cities to see ICE activity after the agency conducted enforcement operations in late September. ICE officials said that the actions were part of an effort to locate and arrest individuals with prior criminal convictions or final orders of removal.

However, the operations sparked alarm among local residents and those connected to immigrant and student communities across Bryan-College Station. Vanessa Marie Ponce, `executive director of the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network, said that the recent increase in ICE presence — along with broader national conversation regarding immigration — has had a strong effect on the immigrant community in Brazos County.

“The current anti-immigration rhetoric coming from many politicians and executive orders in regards to immigration policies is creating a climate of fear, anxiety and uncertainty,” Ponce said.

Ponce said that this fear isn’t limited to just undocumented residents, claiming that changing federal policies have made it unclear who may be vulnerable to detention or deportation.

“Large portions of the immigrant community, not just undocumented individuals, are at risk for detention and deportation,” Ponce said. “This can include DACA recipients, temporary protected status holders and even green card holders due to the constant changing policies.”

Sustainability starts with yourself. You can’t help other people unless you’re in a good place yourself.

“The Period Project is trying to provide free and accessible period products to folks who need them,” Wellman said. “Because period poverty is a real thing and it can impact people’s ability to stay on campus and go to class, and/or be diverted from that.”

Political Science and Environmental Studies Junior “

Vienna Cheng

the Aggie Green Fund and 12th Can were present alongside statewide groups like the Texas Conservation Alliance which actively shared information on sustainability.

“This month is really about education,” Director of Sustainability in the Office of Sustainability & Campus Enrichment Kelly Wellman said. “And so when we are out here physically kind of talking about what we’re doing, we are hitting those public engagement, educational opportunity goals where we’re sharing all the things that are happening on campus.”

Since OSCE’s founding in 2008, A&M has released its Sustainability Master Plan, followed by its Evergreen Goals of promoting sustainability across campus. The department works year-round to foster these goals, but CSM allows OSCE to focus on spreading awareness and educating students through events such as Campus Sustainability Day on

One of the organizations tabling at the event aimed to touch on all of these sustainability areas. The Aggie Green Fund has donated more than $2.8 million to students in grants, allowing it to drive meaningful change itself.

“We help give away money for any student or faculty member who has a sustainable idea they want to put on campus,” political science and environmental studies junior Vienna Cheng said.

Cheng is part of the student-led Aggie Green Fund, hoping to encourage more students to get involved on campus. With the help of passionate students, Aggie Green Fund supported the transition to LED light fixtures in the Forsyth Galleries, the place-

However, the Project is not the only attempt to make resources more accessible. Representing MOVE Texas, statistics and psychology senior Sophia Sanders emphasized the importance of voting and working to encourage students to use their voices.

“Recently, we had our National Voter Registration Day event in September,” Sanders said. “And I think that’s really important because voting is a huge part of maintaining and creating sustainable policies, because obviously the government controls a lot of sustainability policies of requirements of what residential and commercial sources are supposed to be doing.”

There are many different ways students can get involved this October, with opportunities to participate in all areas of sustainability on campus and in the community.

“Sustainability starts with yourself,” Cheng said. “You can’t help other people unless you’re in a good place yourself. Making sure that you’re in a good place, helping, making sure that other people are in a good place, that’s how we start getting real work done.”

According to Ponce, the growing uncertainty has had noticeable consequences in the community, including a fear of seeking necessary resources including healthcare and safety resources.

“There is a heightened fear to access community resources and it is not just the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network that has seen that heightened fear, but also healthcare resources and under-reporting when there are victims of crime,” Ponce said. Ponce said that there are often misunderstandings about immigrants and how policy shifts affect them, explaining that even those following legal processes may face uncertainty under current conditions.

“This is not just impacting the immigrants that are undocumented,” Ponce said. “These can be immigrants that are falling under lawful categories. With the changing policies it is placing everybody at a greater risk. We have seen the repeal of different humanitarian programs, and we saw earlier this year where different groups lost their protected status. When people think immigrants, they think all are unlawful, but that is not what this is.”

Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo returns

Annual nonprofit event showcases local agriculture, education, youth events

By Kaitlyn Cates Life & Arts Writer

Under the bright lights of the Brazos County Expo, the smell of funnel cake and hay mingled with the sound of joyful children and cheering crowds as families gathered to watch the rodeo and line up for fair rides. October 17 marked the kickoff of the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, an area tradition marking its 14th year.

The fair brought new attractions like the Dinosaur Takeover along with classic favorites such as the carnival, expo with merchant booths, Ag-land area and rodeo events.

As described on its website, the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo showcases agriculture, education and youth events to enhance Texas culture. Beyond providing entertainment for the community, excess revenue funds scholarships to Brazos County youth and related community improvements.

This year, it sold merchandise for the first time, with proceeds benefiting scholarships and event funding. Since its first event in 2012, the fair has awarded over $100,750 in scholarships to qualified youth.

At the fair, attendees were able to enjoy the carnival food and rides as well as agri cultural exhibitions. Ag-land featured a pet ting zoo and an opportunity to watch nearly 100 incubated chicks hatch later that eve ning. Rodeo events included bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and, of course, mutton bustin’. A new addition to the car nival was the “Dinosaur Takeover,” featuring a 20-foot animatronic dinosaur and a fos sil-digging activity for kids.

Melissa Adams, co-owner and marketing director of Big Top Entertainment — an event promotions company that con nects brands with Texans — said the company aims to promote the idea of shopping at local and Texas-owned busi nesses. The entertainment company part nered with Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo for the first time this year, helping bring in over 70 new vendors and exhibitions to the community event.

“People stop and are shopping, and the exhibitors are very excited, and a lot of them are here for the first time,” Adams said. “Everyone has been great to work with at the rodeo.”

Sam Roman returned for a third year as a fair vendor with his Western wear company, SB Cowboy, which he founded in 2019.

Compared to a large-scale city event, Roman said the family-oriented aspect of the rodeo and the people who show up to support their local community make this event special. His company sells cowboy hats — which he custom shapes for customers — trucker and rope hats and Western wear.

“I really like people that come to fairs and rodeos,” Roman said. “You get a really good crowd. So it’s really nice to see friendly people and get your business’ name out there, especially when I get to sell someone their first cowboy hat.”

Kelly Barrett ‘11 attended the rodeo for the first time this year, making her son James’ dream to compete in mutton bustin’ come true before he aged out of the event. The College Station local said her family was inspired to come to the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo after a trip to the Houston Rodeo last year.

“We’re just looking forward to letting the kids run around and have fun and see what’s going on in the community,” Barrett said. “The rodeo is just so family-friendly, and there are events for everyone.”

For Bryan resident Sophia Moody, the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo is something her family looks forward to every year. Moody brought her two children to the rodeo for the first time eight years ago, and it has been an annual family tradition since. From fair rides for the kids to the evening rodeo, everything the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo offers makes it a fun tradition for their family. For Moody, the best part of the day was watching the bull riding.

“We just love everything about the rodeo,” Moody said. “The animals, the bull riding and the fair rides, which the kids love. It’s just a fun time.”

Other selling points for Moody are the community involvement and the easy way it brings families and kids together. She attended the rodeo and fair alongside her son’s soccer team and brought her neighbor’s kids with them.

“It’s just a really fun time for family and kids,” Moody said. “We look forward to it every year. We live close, so we get to watch the fair and rodeo get set up, and it’s exciting.”

The opening night of the rodeo and fair weekend concluded with a performance by Del Rio native William Beckmann. Production manager Linda Brown of Linda Brown & Associate said they aim to bring in performers that reflect the spirit of the community.

“We try to provide music entertainment — because music is a

and find artists that appeal to all different ages and different cultures,” Brown said.

The schedule for the remaining

and show dates can be found on its

website.

Top to bottom: Society, ethics and law sophomore Amiri Hardy presents a poem during the Black Empowerment Showcase at the Memorial Student Center on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Communication Ph.D. student Faith Odele sings a segment of her performance during the Black Empowerment

at the Memorial Student Center on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.

Event spotlights Black culture

Black Empowerment Showcase highlights value of community through artistic performances

By Lillian Haynes Life & Arts Writer

“You made me happy,” sang Neka Nesha, a featured singer in the JMG House Band. “You stood right beside me, and I won’t forget.”

Upon hearing the lyrics, audience members sprang to their feet, while Frankie Beverly and Maze’s classic line dance song, “Before I Let Go,” rang through the speakers. As their shoes rhythmically hit the floor, smiling faces stepped to the beat — some in coordinated strokes, others with uneasy, learning steps: a diverse, cultural celebration of African American ancestry on display.

This R&B-infused performance was one of many acts at the Black Empowerment Showcase, held in the Memorial Student Center on Oct. 20 and hosted by the MSC Woodson Black Awareness Committee, or MSC WBAC. Featuring six performances, the event presented Black empowerment as a living, breathing movement, or as psychology senior and Chair of MSC WBAC Sydney Middleton explained, something constantly evolving with the people that give it power.

Hardy projected this sense of community with her words, uniting the room through her experiences as a Black woman in the United States. Her poems, “Blackness” and “What does it mean to be alive,” left audience members snapping in solidarity, as she connected culture and individuality through metaphors and rhymes.

“My culture is my race; the blackness that I always want to showcase,” Hardy said. “You see, blackness can be described in many ways. I can describe my blackness for days. But you see, my blackness, that’s attractive, classic and not average, is how I can wake up ecstatic and not go down like the Titanic.”

Shifting the conversation of Black empowerment toward its connection with communal injustice, musician DreSean3k rapped about the perpetuation of violence in African American communities and the necessity to promote peace even in the face of ongoing structural reform.

“This song is about the same things we

To understand our past … and to imagine the liberated future.”

Connecting Black empowerment to other marginalized communities in the U.S., Houston Poet Laureate Reyes Ramirez explored his upbringing as the son of a Mexican father and Salvadorian mother. Focusing on the generational wealth of knowledge within communities, he expressed how — much like Latinx groups — the solidarity found between African Americans is one cultivated in spite of generational violence and oppression, and how by choosing to remember their histories, Black communities are self-empowered.

“All of you hold knowledge that has survived so much,” Ramirez said. “It takes every generation to remember something and only one generation to forget. So all of you hold that knowledge that is older than these walls, older than these buildings, older than this state, older than this country, and don’t let anybody tell you different.”

It takes every generation to remember and only one generation to forget.

Reyes Ramirez Houston Poet Laureate

“There’s … so many different ways that we’re able to express who we are and our ancestry,” Middleton said. “To have individuals of all backgrounds hear music and hear individuals do their poetry … to bring together the community and … find things that we have in common.”

Her words rang true, as performers showcased their perspective on Black empowerment through both original verses and staples of African American history, including the words of prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X and Maya Angelou.

“This event is really [about] showcasing how Black empowerment itself is inclusive, not exclusive,” African American literature and Caribbean literature graduate student and Special Event Co-Director Mariot Valcin Jr. said. “Black empowerment, Black power, is multifaceted. … There’s many ways that people can look at this ideology.” Society, ethics and law sophomore Amiri

always go through … at school, on the streets,” DreSean3k said. “Every day and every night, we keep on having those same old dreams. [We] keep singing those same old things.”

Speaking on the intergenerational ties of these battles, communication and journalism graduate student Faith Odele showcased her multimedia performance, “Truth by Our Ancestors,” reciting the works of various writers, including “Rosa Parks” by Nikki Giovanni and “Malcolm X, February 1965” by E. Ethelbert Miller. Her presentation illustrated Black empowerment as not only a present-day celebration, but also as a movement founded on historical struggle.

“I’m here to share some truths about our Black empowerment,” Odele said. “Truths told by the ancestors who came before us in their poems, in their songs, in their speeches. … In a world that celebrates novelty, invention, we tend to miss out on the gift of ‘Sankofa.’ On the gift of going back to the past, of repeating the words of our ancestors.

Uniting students through music, Swiftie Society celebrates connections, experiences

By Ava Whelan Life & Arts Writer

Friendship bracelets glisten on wrists, catchy melodies echo off the walls and lyrical discussions fill the air. Students from diverse backgrounds are all here together to share their love for pop music and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.

The Texas A&M Swiftie Society connects students through shared experiences, social activities and lyric discussions. What started as a small group of fans has grown into a large community of A&M and Blinn College students.

Behind Swift stands a dedicated group of fans known as Swifties. Environmental engineering senior and Swiftie Society President Kennedy Orzechowski founded the organization in 2023 with a group of friends to build a safe space for Swifties on campus.

“I wanted people to find a place where they feel that it’s okay to listen to the same type of music,” Orzechowski said. “One artist that has been big in our generation, and since she started the re-recordings, has been Taylor Swift. I had a passion for it and wanted to connect people.”

The society focuses on Swift’s international and local impact on pop culture and how her leadership as a businesswoman influences young adults. Visualization senior and Swiftie Society Vice President Chloe Crane highlighted how she notices music bridging the gap between the global pop icon and members of the organization.

“I think a quality that they admire is her relatability to still connect with fans,” Crane said. “Even when her fan base is hundreds of millions of people, she still finds ways to one-on-one touch each person. With her music, they find different aspects that they can relate to most … that gives them moments to resonate with her.”

With hundreds of awards for her lyricism, Swift has transformed her autobiographical songwriting into a record-breaking career spanning multiple genres for almost two decades. Psychology senior and Swiftie Society Treasurer Kelsey Contreras explained how relating her personal experiences to Swift’s brings hope.

“Every single one of her albums has at least one song of her really going through it and not knowing if it’s going to get better, but then you see life always gets better,” Contreras said. “There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you know it or not, things will change.”

From falling in love to heartbreak and betrayal, Swift’s discography showcases a range of complex emotions that come with growing up. Crane reflected on how analyzing her metaphorical lyrics can guide listeners through different periods of their lives.

“I don’t necessarily write, but when you think back about moments and reflect on them, you can kind of get through it,” Crane said. “That’s what she does through her words; even listening to her can help you as she writes about a similar emotion.”

Orzechowski said that being able to respectfully listen to members’ opinions has been the most important lesson she has learned from being a Swiftie. She relates this lesson to the Core Values of A&M.

“I think something that goes along with our Aggie Core Values is knowing that having differing opinions is okay,” Orzechowski said. “When we talk about lyrics, we want to treat everyone’s ideas as their own, even if we disagree on some things.”

As the final act of the night, Valcin expressed the necessity for unity, illustrating the devastating effects of intraracial infighting through his performance, “Killing Ourselves.” Connecting the Black empowerment movement to his experiences as a Haitian immigrant, he encouraged African Americans — and all marginalized groups — to uplift one another.

“Donnie Weathersby, DaVon McNeil and Malcolm X. I’m sure you all recognize these names,” Valcin said. “All three men have a commonality when it comes to their demise.You see … those three African men … they were all murdered at the hands of other African Americans. … In the end, we really do have to stop killing ourselves, because black lives matter.”

Reflecting on Valcin’s words, Patricia Alexander, an MSC WBAC staff member, connected the awareness and education brought about by the Black Empowerment Showcase to the wider Texas A&M community. She encouraged students and community members to continue getting involved with the organization and ask themselves what Black empowerment means to them.

“Black lives matter: you hear it so often, but it does matter,” Alexander said. “It’s all about representation, and I think everyone, all cultures should be represented. And … that’s what A&M is about … representing cultures … because Texas A&M is a flagship institution that should represent any and all cultures in the state of Texas.”

The culture that Orzechowski described also extends to how members of the Swiftie Society connect her music to their identity as Aggies. The organization identified a particular song that they associate with A&M.

“We can all agree on one song, and it is ‘Maroon,’” Orzechowski said. “It actually inspired me to get in contact with other Taylor Swift societies.”

The shared appreciation for Swift’s music among Aggies has extended across the Southeastern Conference through the exchange of friendship bracelets with mascots and the formation of relationships with sister Swiftie groups at the University of South Carolina and the University of Florida.

“In the past, we did a bracelet exchange with the Auburn Tiger,” Orzechowski said. “It’s a fun rivalry on the field, but off the field, at least we all connect on Taylor.”

To build fellowship, the Swiftie Society hosts listening parties and fundraisers. In 2024, the organization collaborated with the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts to host its “Tortured Poets Department” listening party, drawing a crowd of 150 attendees, Crane said.

“We made Easter egg posters that we hid around campus,” Crane said. “They didn’t verbatim say “Taylor Swift,” it was all vaguely adjacent that if you know, you know.”

Indian Cultural Association hosts Garba Night

Garba Night at Aggieland brings students across campus together for night of music, tradition, cultural pride

By Aayan Adnan Life & Arts Writer

The echoes of dandiya sticks clacking and music blaring through the speakers filled the air at the Texas A&M Physical Education Activity Program Building, as hundreds of students dressed in vibrant kurtas and sparkling cholis danced in celebration of Navaratri.

Hosted by the A&M Indian Cultural Association, or ICA, Garba Night was a chance for people of the Indian community at Aggieland to congregate with their peers for one of the culture’s oldest traditions. Garba and Dandiya Raas are folk dances originating from the Indian state of Gujarat, and they’re performed at Navaratri — a nine-night celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Participants form circles and

move in rhythmic patterns while clapping or using decorated wooden sticks called dandiyas.

“We spent months planning, and we spent around $10,000 on this event,” biomedical sciences junior and ICA President Karthikeya Gundarapu said. “We worked day and night with no sleep to help book the venue, buy and prep decor and just a ton more things that we can’t even talk about.”

The event’s impact went far beyond its months of preparation for an evening of dance; attending Garba Night was an opportunity to link with cultural traditions while attending college away from home, according to public health sophomore Kavin Thiyagarajan.

“I think [Garba Night] is a good way to connect with our culture in a place that’s far from home,” Thiyagarajan said.

ICA brought the tradition to life at A&M, with students forming concentric circles in sync with the music. The air filled with laughter as newcomers tried to learn the steps, whilst experienced dancers demonstrated the moves.

“Growing up, going to Garba was something I did every year, so I always look

forward to that, especially at this time of the year,” public health junior Prachi Rajput said. “I like that I can share a part of my culture with everyone.”

Business administration freshman Vaasudev Katta described the night as nostalgic, empowering to their cultural heritage and a display of representation.

For Katta, this effect was stronger in the context of attending a predominantly white institution, or PWI.

“It’s really cool that they’re representing our culture in a PWI,” Katta said. “The stigma around the university is very white. And it’s really cool to see people that I can relate to and that my entire community is coming out supporting each other.”

Throughout the night, traditional songs transitioned into upbeat remixes, marking the transition from Garba to Dandiya Raas. Circles of dancers widened as more students joined in — regardless of background or familiarity with the dances.

By the end of the night, the ballroom floor was a blur of motion, color and activities.

Ghagras and kurtas twirled in unison, and people marveled at the vibrant cultural backdrops as the ICA handed out sweets to

mark the end of the celebration.

“I hope [people] understand the amount of work we put in, and how hard it was to pull this off, whether this was a success or not,” Gundarapu said.

The gym remained crowded late into the night, as students continued to take photos together between sets and dance. Music shifted between Garba beats and remixes as attendees ate sweets together. The sense of community and joy the ICA worked tirelessly to make possible was evident, according to mechanical engineering sophomore Mehek Patro.

“Honestly, the energy is unreal,” Patro said. “Everyone’s dancing and smiling — it’s the kind of atmosphere that just makes you want to jump in and celebrate together.”

For event participants of South Asian heritage at A&M, Garba Night served as more than a night of dance, but a sense of belonging.

“This event is a staple in all Indian culture,” Gundarapu said. “Garba is something Indians have done for generations, and us being able to do it here and letting people express their emotions and be happy expressing their culture was something amazing to see.”

Opinion: ‘Taylor Swift fatigue’ is real

Fans want quality over quantity

By Joshua Abraham Opinion Columnist

I’ve been a Swiftie for as long as I can remember.

From her debut country project to her pop era and indie-folk albums, I’ve been a fan and a critic during her journey into stardom.

Everything she’s gone through, from Kanye West to multiple boyfriends, I have observed, and I have stayed a fan even though many people made fun of me for doing so.

With her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” she positions herself as a timeless performer for the masses. Resembling the feeling she had during The Eras Tour and her new love for Travis Kelce, she tries to replicate that emotion throughout the entire album.

I was very excited about this new project. Leaving previous producers like Jack Antonoff and leaning on the people that helped her turn toward the pop scene, I was intrigued since that era of hers had some of my favorite songs in her ever-growing catalogue. A return to classical pop music is what a leading woman should be doing to claim her seniority in the genre, and I supported it wholeheartedly … until I heard the album.

As I went down the tracklist, there’s only one thing that I can confidently say it is: hot garbage.

This is the worst album she’s had. Her lyrics sound like unseasoned chicken breast, and her music production sounds like a copy of something we’ve already heard from other artists, which many people have already identified.

Yes, it’s pop, but it’s the worst kind of pop music. It’s the music you hear in the mall and then walk out to avoid hearing the song. Or, when you’re sitting at a sports game, it’s the music that makes you wonder how long it would take until they switch it to something else.

As much as I love Swift’s music, I understand that I’m not her target audience. There’ve been many albums that I haven’t related to but have acknowledged the power they have because they are incredibly relatable to others. But, this is another realm of bad — it sounds and feels like a disappointment.

And she didn’t stop there; she decided to release a movie during its opening weekend in theaters to accompany this horrid piece of music.

Actually, a “movie” might be an overexaggeration of what this is. Essentially, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at her “The Fate of Ophelia” music video, along with brief interviews explaining her thought process behind each song on the album and a lyric video for each song.

It’s not a movie or a concert like she’s previously released in theaters — it’s something in the middle.

Now, the movie isn’t terrible — I did, in fact, watch it — but it doesn’t belong in theaters. As a self-proclaimed cinephile,

I have a deep respect for preserving the sanctity of the theatrical experience, and this isn’t it. This probably looks best on YouTube or Disney+, or maybe in minutelong Instagram Reels. While I did enjoy it myself, it doesn’t deserve a $15 ticket price to see in theaters.

Obviously, this is all a cash grab. Swift gets to put out low-quality material while profiting off of us, the fans, who are forced to pay even more if we wish to see her. If she really cared about her fans, she would make her work accessible to everyone, not make people drive to the theater to watch a “non-movie.”

But this sentiment has become a trend with her. “Taylor Swift fatigue” has been felt by many since the release of her last album, with fans and non-fans alike getting tired of hearing her name and her new music when it doesn’t match the quality of her previous work.

The album is terrible, so this was the breaking point for many to turn away from her for the time being and attack her whole career.

Seeing her face every day on social media for her Eras Tour over the past couple of years takes a toll, just like seeing her name on television every time the Kansas City Chiefs play while she’s watching Kelce. There’s too much of her; add that feeling with the lack of quality she’s putting out, and the solution you’ll find is a public outcry against her.

She needs to take a page out of Marvel’s script.

After the events of “Avengers: Endgame,”

fans were incredibly excited to see what was to come in the cinematic universe. However, what Marvel decided to do was release a movie or TV show that not only lacked the quality of its previous movies, but was also released in too quick a time frame. It was too much too quick, and there wasn’t enough substance in each project to cling to for audiences to care.

While I loved some projects during this time period, like “Eternals” and “The Marvels,” there are many that didn’t stick with me and made me fall out of love with Marvel.

Learning from their mistakes, they have now decided to reel back on the overwhelming production of films, put quality into them and release them slowly, allowing people to digest and appreciate a film before moving on to the next.

Audiences are willing to wait for something if it’s going to be the best version of it.

So Taylor, please, take a break. It’s OK if we go a year without hearing music from you; we have enough to work with right now.

Take some time, get married to Travis and think about what you want to do with your life. Make something with quality, not just for the sake of making music.

It’s fine if we have to wait a while for it, because what you’ve done with this album should really get you “CANCELLED!” for how bad it is.

Joshua Abraham is a kinesiology senior and opinion columnist for The Battalion.

Opinion: Burnout isn’t a badge of honor

Ending grind culture is a tradition worth keeping

By Aliyah Mims Opinion Writer

It’s 11:50 p.m. on a Sunday in Evans Library. The air smells of espresso and panic, and you can feel the tension bouncing off the walls. Somebody to your right is typing like their life depends on it — it probably does — and to your left, someone is using their backpack as a pillow — in the rare case of an empty bench.

Welcome to college! One of the only places where sleeping in public is normal and exhaustion is expected.

With juggling painful 8 a.m. classes, a social life, new household responsibilities, shifts after school, self-care and internship applications that feel like they were due yesterday, Aggies are barely running on fumes. Not to mention, all of the overwhelming events on campus are lucky to find a spot in any student’s calendar. In some shape or form, the word “thriving” began to be replaced by “surviving,” and burnout is becoming a part of the 12th Man brand.

An interesting survey completed by over 800 current college students reveals, “nearly 3 in 4 — 73% — students find school overwhelming,” meaning that more than in all likelihood, half the people you walk past on campus are putting on a good face but are struggling internally.

Mental health is important, so the solution should be to use the resources our tuition pays for, right?

Wrong.

The same study found that “1 in 5 — 19% — students have used their college mental health services,” and “40% said it did

not help.” Students are clearly trying to get the help they realize they require, but the demanding workload proves to be too great a weight on a student’s shoulders.

Maybe I’m biased, but Texas A&M has some extremely ambitious students; the pressure feels even more magnified to succeed when all you’re surrounded by are stories of accomplishments. Aggies are taught to get involved while building an extensive resume, but what happens when resumes become our entire lives? Doing just enough is not acceptable anymore, and the line of doing too much has disappeared.

The reality is that many of us are scared

to rest because opportunities at A&M go by in a flash, worried that if we stop this grind mindset, then someone else will pass us up.

My nightmares include very similar situations, such as someone less qualified landing an internship I could’ve gotten, or a classmate acing a test when I spent days studying for or only finding out about an amazing opportunity the day after it happened.

So students keep chugging along with their day-to-day tasks, even when there’s no gas left in the tank. The ironic part is that burnout doesn’t make us better people or employees: It just

makes us a little bit worse at everything, with time spread so thin between each undertaking.

For those who are not under the same amount of stress, it can be hard to visualize the sense of pride some gain in saying, “I’m on two hours of sleep right now, this is my fifth coffee of the day,” or “I survived four exams in a row and did an entire group project by myself.”

To anyone else, this dynamic sounds like madness. Which might be true because it’s beginning to sound like exhaustion worn as a badge of honor.

But those small victories are covered up with the impending doom of an assignment around the corner, and the pressure to keep that grind mindset. Every achievement comes with a reminder of what you’re not doing, and in that whirlwind, students are sacrificing self-care for their future. They think it’s only temporary, but it becomes a never-ending cycle.

This is not to say that A&M doesn’t do a fantastic job at hosting events designed to provide fun breaks for Aggies, but that’s just adding another event to already overloaded schedules. Realizing that this glorified “grindset” is the problem is step number one to finding a resolution. Attempting to fulfill everything that falls into your hands isn’t impressive and certainly not maintainable.

Protecting our peace while chasing a difficult goal should be the real mark of success, not seeing how much we can endure before the inevitable crash out. If Aggies were to honor rest the same way we honor working hard, then a culture would be curated to value balance over burnout. That’s a tradition worth keeping.

Aliyah Mims is a finance junior and opinion writer for The Battalion.

The Battalion editors receive their

Tradition even for introverts

Loud and proud Aggie Spirit doesn’t always have to be loud in a crowd

By Julia Kazda News Editor

Take a deep breath, and prepare to hiss.

During Fish Camp before the beginning of my freshman year at Texas A&M, I saw all of the people, heard all of the screaming and singing in the mosh pit and decided that I would stand at the edge of the room and bob my head with convincing enthusiasm. I went to one Midnight Yell my freshman year, saw all of the people, heard the canons and never went back.

I am a senior who gave a couple of Aggie football games a chance and saw all of the people and heard all the yelling and decided to sell the remainder of her tickets. I have given Northgate a couple of shots — haha — but I saw all of the people, heard all of the loud music and decided that I would brand myself as the heroic Uber driver. Sensing a pattern yet?

Reading all of this, you are either wondering, “Why does she go here if she is just going to 2% everything?” or you have already burned the page. The truth is, I go to A&M because I love it here; I am just also one of the biggest introverts to ever exist.

The beautiful thing about A&M is that you don’t have to be loud to attend. Sure, most of the traditions advertised require a certain appreciation for large crowds and yelling, but you don’t have to be in the center of everything to be considered an Aggie. Evans Library is just as much a part of this university as Kyle Field is.

On the other hand, my mom is a very different type of Aggie. She still raves about the friendships made at Fish Camp, and she is always the loudest voice during every yell. When we walked through the doors of the Association of Former Students this past Saturday, we had two very different missions. Hers, to soak in every social interaction, take as many pictures as possible and closely examine every

vendor in Aggie Park. Mine, to get my ring, get out and get a burger.

As soon as I saw the gargantuan crowds of people, I went full flight mode, focused on getting out of there before I completely shut down. I have to admit, I barely even heard what the sweet old man said to me before he gave me the ring I so desperately wanted.

However, when my mom put that ring on my finger, everything changed. I remembered why I love it here. Two Aggies, so vastly different, stared and beamed at one piece of glimmering gold, symbolizing the shared mission of tradition and the Core Values.

When we embraced with our matching gold, I no longer wanted to get out as quickly as possible. I wanted to soak up every last moment, not just at Ring Day, but on A&M’s hallowed grounds. Every last Evans study session, late-night Northgate pickup, interaction with a slightly rabid squirrel and viewing of an Aggie game from the comfort of my home suddenly became fleeting and sacred.

Even though I have not directly participated in many of the traditions here, I have been a witness to what they can accomplish. Watching the sweaty mosh pit during Fish Camp, I saw unbreakable bonds begin to form. Looking around me at all of the Midnight Yell attendees, I saw a community made up of people from all around the world joined together to hype up one team. During my limited experiences with Aggie football, I witnessed complete strangers suddenly become part of a united mission established in 1876.

This unity is exactly why my Aggie Ring means so much to me. A&M is one of the only places where people can be polar opposites, yet be united by the Aggie identity. From now on, wherever I end up, I will bear the mark of an Aggie.

Who knows, I may be walking down the crowded streets of London and catch a glimmer of gold, sparking a conversation or even a new friendship based on a united experience. Loud or not, I am still an Aggie, and even more now with my ring, I am proud.

Ring Day for a small town Ag

Story of a first-generation student: A memorable moment for a lifelong fan

By Braxton Dore’ Sports Editor

Wow. Never in my 18 years living in Southeast Texas did I imagine this is what my college experience would look like.

Staring down at my newly obtained Aggie Ring — with my class courses concluding at the end of the fall semester and a looming internship to complete my degree in spring — my time here in Aggieland is almost over, and it feels like I was a lost freshman only yesterday.

Entering Texas A&M as an undergraduate from a small town squeezed between the border of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, I felt oddly at home — besides the lack of seafood and cajun-fusion restaurants.

The community I found here in College Station became the bedrock for my media career, and it also led me to some of the best experiences I’ve ever had. From late-night prints to nights out on Northgate, I’ve had a wild and unforgettable three years at the only college I ever applied to.

Growing up three-and-a-half hours away from the Bryan-College Station area in Groves, the only influences from my dream college were on Saturdays, when my father and I would sit huddled in front of a tiny TV screen at a crowded bar or hunched over on our coach screaming bloody murder at the one football team that controlled our sanity throughout the “ber” months.

For my dad, it was a dream to have his son attend the one college he always wished he went to, and I finally made it official last Saturday when I put the infamous symbol covered in 10-karat gold on my

finger.

Although it didn’t come without a lot of sacrifice, obtaining my ring was a goal I set out for whenever I applied in 2022, and it served as a last rite of indoctrination for a kid who drank the “Maroon” Kool-Aid earlier than most first-generation students.

I mean, for Pete’s sake, my dad used to wake me up on gameday mornings by throwing a speaker on my bed, shutting the door and blaring the Aggie War Hymn until I eventually emerged in an oversized 12th Man jersey.

Even though I had only two Aggies in my family to look up to in my cousin and uncle, attending A&M was always on the back burner of my mind throughout high school as I stressed over getting good grades and keeping up with the many student organizations I was a part of.

Those two influential people in my life helped grow my obsession over A&M beyond just the standpoint of sports.

They opened my eyes to what College Station had to offer academically and culturally — beyond just “Manziel Mania” — teaching me how to appreciate the campus I now call home.

Upon joining The Battalion in the spring of my freshman year, I had no clue what I wanted to do in the sports industry. My intro courses in sport management were all online, so I had no one to bounce ideas off of until joining The Batt, aka the best organization I’ve ever been a part of.

Here in the basement of the Memorial Student Center, I’ve learned so much about the traditions and values that come along with being an Aggie. This last stop in my A&M journey, obtaining the Aggie Ring, concludes a long-time dream of mine to become an official cult member, and I couldn’t have accomplished it without the help of my family and everyone at The Batt.

their golden bling on Ring Day Gold at end of A&M rainbow

Claiming

my place in Aggie tradition

By Hilani Quinones Associate News Editor

When I first arrived at Texas A&M, I wasn’t sure what it meant to “Bleed maroon.” From the ritual of saying “Howdy” to the Aggie football yells and a sense of uniformity that defined Aggie culture — all of it felt like a language I hadn’t learned to speak.

For some, that connection comes naturally. For others, like me, it takes time, reflection and a willingness to see A&M as a home far away from home — a home that you define rather than one you must fit yourself into.

This semester, as I slipped my Aggie Ring on for the first time, I realized that gold can mean more than one thing. Here is what this ring tells me.

It isn’t just a symbol of school spirit or the end of a long line of traditions. It’s the gold at the end of the A&M rainbow. A gleam of something hard-earned and a quiet acknowledgement that I have carved my own space here. It is the first piece of legacy I’ve claimed as an earned emblem of belonging.

When I look at mine, I don’t see just another A&M tradition. I see every paper written at midnight that has tested my patience, every newsroom print night I worked that stretched past dinner, every moment I wondered if my voice belonged in the chorus. I see the person I was when I started — uncertain, cautious, observing from the sidelines — and the person I’ve grown into, one who knows that contribution can take many forms.

Being an Aggie doesn’t look the same for everyone. That’s something we don’t always say out loud.

My A&M experience hasn’t been built on standing shoulder to shoulder in Kyle Field or knowing every verse of the Aggie War Hymn. It’s been built in quiet conversations, in stories shared through the newsroom, in challenging ideas and learning from people who see the world differently.

For someone who doesn’t fit the traditional Aggie mold — culturally or personally — the ring feels like both an embrace and a declaration. It says: “I’ve done the work, I’ve exceeded the standard and I belong here too.”

A&M prides itself on unity, and unity doesn’t always mean sameness — it means persistence through difference and the courage to stand firm in who you are with a commitment to community. The Aggie Ring reminds me that inclusion is an ongoing project, one that every Aggie contributes simply by showing up as themselves.

The ring doesn’t erase my individuality, but rather complements it. It accessorizes not just my hand, but my history here — a reminder that success shines through even when the path is unconventional. When I finally turn and wear this ring outward, as tradition dictates, I’ll do so knowing my Aggie story may look different, and that’s exactly why it matters.

The ring marks my place in its evolving present, one where the Aggie Spirit can mean compassion, curiosity and courage as much as tradition. The ring does not complete the story, but gives me a “weight” to lift as I conclude it.

In the end, the Aggie Ring is more than a reward. It’s a conversation between who we’ve been, who we are and who we’re becoming. I’ll proudly wear my gold, knowing it represents not just where I arrived, but how I’ve gotten here — on my own terms and in full radiance.

Golden symbol of belonging

not what it represents, but who

By Isabella Garcia Opinion Editor

Ah, Texas A&M University; the first college I was accepted into — and then proceeded to immediately reject. But a series of rather unfortunate events and one gap semester later, I nonetheless wound up a stumbling freshman in this place of obscene class sizes and sticky weather that never seems to end.

It’s certainly been an adjustment, to say the least.

After all, my high school graduating class was a mere 75 people, having instilled in us early on the notion that academics take priority over everything, everyone. It shouldn’t be surprising that I’ve placed an almost manic emphasis on the precision of my grades — I’ve got the white hairs to prove it.

And to be honest, that was the easy part.

Who knew that staying sequestered in your room all day studying would make it kind of difficult to, like, interact with other humans? For all the hours, months and years I’d spent priding myself on my knowledge about every subject there is to fit in an 18-year-old high school brain, I didn’t have the first clue about making friends. I still don’t.

As I finished the last exam of my first semester, wallowing in this self-pity, a serendipitous encounter brought me to The Battalion: I read the worst opinion column ever. But in my arrogant dismissal that led me to toss the worn print copy to the side, I caught a glimpse of an advertisement that exclaimed, “We’re hiring!”

I submitted my application the same day.

I’ve come a long way in the past three years, with enough accomplishments to actually fill up a resume for the first time in my life. Yet, with all the “Congratulations” and “I’m so proud of yous” from strangers, friends and family alike after earning my ring, I’ve found myself repressing the violent urge to ask, “For what?”

Though I didn’t know it at the time, that application to be an opinion writer would be the impetus for some drastically needed personal growth. The

basement that started as a place for words on pages turned into one where I met my first real friends, and through — at times, brutal — feedback, my editors turned me into a better person.

So I’ve come to understand that it’s not the traditions that make the Aggie; it’s the Aggie that makes the traditions.

I’ve never been to a football game or Midnight Yell, but I’ve definitely spent more midnights than I can count in the newsroom and edited enough football articles that I basically watched the games anyway.

I’ve only been to Northgate once because I spend every Friday volunteering to play with the wildest, most adorable bunch of kids you’ll ever meet. Though seeing that both makes me exhausted and gives me a headache two hours in, it’s not like I’m missing out on much.

And yes, I’ve walked under Century Tree alone — on my way to the office of the professor who took me under his wing as a teaching assistant, making my boyfriend (who never even took the class but wants to support me) and I genuinely part of a family. I’ve graded hundreds of papers and lectured to hundreds of students, all because COMM/RELS 257 feels like home.

Despite the excessive student enrollment numbers, community isn’t just a word at A&M. It’s an integral part of our everyday lived experience, and I’m so grateful it helped me find where, and with whom, I belong.

Whether it’s hunched over proofs in the newsroom alongside the other editors, covered in chalk from playing outside with the North Bryan Community Center kiddos or reassured as I’m about to give my first lecture because the professor has been with me every step of the way, Aggieland has given me places where I belong.

And it is the wonderful people who comprise these communities who are the true tradition.

An Aggie Ring doesn’t really mean anything; it’s just a chunk of gold. But the experiences of those who wear it mean everything.

Therein lies its significance — not in what it represents, but who.

By Olivia Sims Senior Sports Writer

No. 3 Texas A&M will head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take on No. 20 LSU this Saturday, Oct. 25, for its fifth Southeastern Conference matchup of the season. The Aggies have yet to walk into Tiger Stadium and pull off a win while in the SEC, but things seem to be different this season for A&M as it started 7-0 for the first time since 1994.

The Aggies have been stellar this season after they opened the year with back-toback wins over UTSA and Utah State — both at home in front of the 12th Man. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed and his offense were able to post 40plus points in both games.

The first real test for A&M came against then-No. 8 Notre Dame, when the Aggies hit the road and took on the Fighting Irish in an epic matchup, which saw the Aggies

win by a mere one-point advantage.

After that, SEC play immediately began and the Aggies played three straight games at Kyle Field, coming out victorious over Auburn, Mississippi State and Florida, before hitting the road for three matchups.

For their second road game of the season, the Maroon and White took care of business against the Hogs, yet it wasn’t a pretty win, as the A&M defense allowed Arkansas’ offense to post 42 points — the most offensive points allowed by the defense this season.

Last season, LSU headed to College Station to take on A&M in a matchup that decided who would be the last SEC team undefeated in conference play. After the Aggies trailed 17-7 heading into halftime, Reed entered the game and completely turned the battle around, leading the Maroon and White to a 38-23 victory over the Tigers.

But after the impressive win, it seemed that everything started to go downhill for the Aggies after they lost 4 of their last 5 games to end the season 8-5.

With A&M being only one of six FBS teams still undefeated, it visits an LSU squad that’s coming off of a loss to the No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores. After losing to

then-No. 13 Ole Miss and Vanderbilt thus far in SEC play, this game is potentially a make-or-break for LSU, since they have an opportunity to fall below .500 in conference play.

Intense energy is inevitable for any opposing team walking into Death Valley for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff: Entering this season, the Tigers are 112-15 in night games at home since 2000.

Reed is coming off of an incredible performance against Arkansas, throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns, as well as rushing for 55 yards and a score. While the Aggies were able to put up 497 yards of total offense, the defense certainly struggled as they allowed Arkansas to tally 527 yards of offense.

This season, it seems like A&M has either been able to click on offense or defense, yet the two haven’t seemed to excel at the same time. The Aggies will look to change that in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers are coming off of a road loss to the Commodores, where Vanderbilt bested them 31-24, dropping LSU to 5-2 on the season. The Tigers had a mediocre showing against the Commodores despite their 325 yards of offense, as the rushing

game couldn’t get going with the offense posting 100 yards on the ground.

So far this season, the Aggies have been outstanding on defense as they lead the league in allowing the least amount of third-down conversions with only 20.

Led by junior linebacker Taurean York, the Maroon and White’s defense has been able to hold certain teams this season at bay, with its best performance coming against Auburn, where it only allowed 177 yards of offense. With the Aggies opening up as a 2.5-point favorite, there are certainly a lot of obstacles they have to overcome if they want to walk out of Baton Rouge with their eighth win of the season. The Tigers prefer to throw rather than run the ball, which can pose an issue for the home squad, as the Aggies’ defense had a hard time stopping the rushing attack against Arkansas.The Tigers rank 15th in the SEC in rushing yards per game,

112.9 per game.

A&M and LSU are set for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday,

Players to watch against LSU Tigers

It’s been 31 years since A&M last beat LSU in Baton Rouge — here are key players to keep an eye on Saturday night as Aggies enter Death Valley

By Diego Saenz Senior Sports Writer

No. 3 Texas A&M football edged out Arkansas 45-42 last week to start 7-0 for the first time since 1994 — but the road only gets tougher from here.

Next stop: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Tiger Stadium — otherwise known as Death Valley — is known as one of the loudest and most unforgiving venues in college football, and No. 20 LSU will be desperate to keep its season alive with two losses already.

Will coach Brian Kelly’s Tigers find a way to save their season, or will coach Mike Elko’s Aggies stay unbeaten and accomplish something that hasn’t been done in three decades — win at Death Valley?

Here are the players to watch Saturday night.

Dayon Hayes, graduate defensive end, Texas A&M

With redshirt senior defensive end Cashius Howell likely drawing double teams all night, the rest of LSU’s offensive line will be left in one-on-one situations. That’s where graduate student DE Dayon Hayes comes in, ready to cause chaos in the backfield opposite Howell.

Hayes has been on a tear over the past three games, recording at least one sack in each. His best showing came against Florida, when a fourth-quarter strip sack and subsequent fumble recovery sealed the A&M win.

LSU’s offensive line entered the season with major question marks after losing four starters to the NFL, and it’s been the team’s biggest weakness ever since. Expect Hayes and Co. to exploit that all night long.

KC Concepcion, junior wide receiver, Texas A&M

For A&M fans, it’s been a breath of fresh air watching two explosive playmakers who can score anytime they touch the ball. Whether it’s sophomore wide receiver Mario Craver or junior WR KC Concepcion making plays, the Aggies boast one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football.

It’s Concepcion, though, who could be the difference-maker against LSU’s stout secondary. He’s hauled in 33 catches for 500 yards and leads the team with six touchdowns. Despite only eclipsing the 100-yard mark once this season, he feels due for another breakout performance.

With LSU expected to stack the box to slow down A&M’s run game, look for offensive coordinator Collin Klein to scheme up quick ways to get Concepcion the ball in space.

Nate Boerkircher, graduate tight end, Texas A&M

Forever etched in Aggie football lore after his late-game heroics against Notre Dame, senior tight end Nate Boerkircher could be an X-factor against LSU.

While the tight end position hasn’t drawn as much attention as A&M’s high-powered wideouts, the 12th Man might be in for a surprise Saturday night. LSU surrendered

another eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown to Vanderbilt’s tight end room — accounting for more than half of the Commodores’ total passing production.

Boerkircher has quietly become redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed’s security blanket as the season has progressed. He hauled in four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown last week — his second of the year — and could be primed for a breakout performance in Death Valley if given the opportunity.

Mansoor Delane, senior defensive back, LSU

Widely regarded as one of the premier defensive backs in college football, senior cornerback Mansoor Delane has been nothing short of a lockdown presence this season. Through seven games, he has totaled 18 tackles, one interception and six pass breakups for a defense giving up 189.6 passing yards per contest.

LSU will need Delane at his absolute best when the explosive A&M duo of Craver and Concepcion roll into Baton Rouge.

Expect Delane to shadow Concepcion on the outside for most of the night, with the occasional slot matchup against Craver.

Seen as a potential first-round NFL Draft prospect, Delane is one of the frontrun ners for the Jim Thorpe Award that hon ors the nation’s top defensive back. A strong showing against one of college football’s most explosive passing attacks would only strengthen his chances.

Caden Durham, sophomore running back, LSU

A former Duncanville Panther, sophomore running back Caden Durham is more than familiar with Aggie football. Not only was he heavi ly recruited by A&M, but he also faced the Aggies last season — though it was far from his best outing. Durham managed just 15 yards on 11 carries, averaging a mere 1.4 yards per attempt against the Maroon and White defense.

Now in his sophomore season, Durham will need a much stronger performance if LSU hopes to keep pace with the Aggies. He’s put together a solid campaign so far, recording 342 yards and two touchdowns on 74 carries, good for a 4.6-yard average.

A&M held its first three Southeastern Conference opponents to a combined 203 rushing yards. Then came Arkansas, which racked up 218 by halftime and finished with 268.

So which version of the Aggie defense will show up Saturday? The dominant front that suffocated opponents early in conference play, or the shaky unit that struggled in Fayetteville, Arkansas? Durham is hoping for the latter.

Trey’Dez Green, sophomore tight end, LSU

A jack-of-all-trades, sophomore TE

Trey’Dez Green is a must-see player. His 6-foot-7 frame and wide receiver-like agility make him a nightmare to scheme against — and he’s simply fun to watch.

Limited by a sprained MCL, Green has appeared in only three games this season — but he’s made every one count. He’s totaled 15 receptions for 210 yards and three touchdowns, finding the end zone in each game he’s played.

Whether it’s a linebacker, cornerback or safety lined up across from him, Elko will have his hands full trying to slow him down. Once the Tigers reach the red zone, Green will instantly become LSU’s top target to stop.

SPORTS

New era: Bucky Ball comes to Aggieland

A&M men’s hoops coach Bucky McMillan looks to bring a new fast-paced style of basketball to Reed Arena this season

By Noah Ruiz Senior Sports Writer

The latest chapter of Texas A&M men’s basketball is right around the corner, with promises of a brand-new style of play to be found within the confines of Reed Arena. A tale of fast-breaking, high-scoring entertainment has been woven through the offseason as all of Aggieland waits in eager anticipation for its first taste of offense-heavy hoops.

The man behind the vision? None other than Bucky McMillan, an up-and-coming coach who finds himself at just his second Division I job after being hired from Samford. “Bucky Ball,” as it’s come to be known, has arrived in College Station.

From Alabama’s Mountain Brook High School to the Southeastern Conference in five years, McMillan has quickly made the jump to the biggest stage in the country, and now, he has Texas-sized plans for his new program.

The exodus of now-Maryland coach Buzz Williams left A&M more barren than the West Texas desert, with sophomore for-

ward Chris McDermott being the only player or coaching staff member to remain with the Aggies.

However, McMillan got right to work after his April hiring, quickly assembling a roster that is bound to shock many with its competitive nature, despite its last-minute composition.

Last-minute, sure, but talented? Absolutely, with the most impactful players being junior guard Pop Isaacs and junior forward Mackenzie Mgbako.

Acting as McMillan’s right-hand men at the SEC Tipoff ‘26 media event, the pair are poised to bring the edge the Aggies need early to show the country they are no pushovers during a rebuilding season.

Isaacs, a transfer from Creighton and former Texas Tech Red Raider, averaged 16.3 points per game before an injury derailed his lone season with the Blue Jays. He registered three 20-plus point games in his short campaign, including a 25-point outing against the Aggies.

As for Mgbako, there was serious talk of the towering 6-foot-9 giant taking his talents to the next level this past offseason, as the former Indiana Hoosier took part in the NBA Draft Combine and workouts. Ultimately, he decided that hitting the books and college courts would be the best way to improve his game, electing to spend at least one season at A&M.

The 2024 Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Year, Mgbako averaged 12.2 points and

4.3 rebounds per game during his time at Indiana and will be a slam-dunk fit in the three-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year’s system.

Thirteen other transfers make up the Aggies’ roster, while incoming freshman G Jeremiah Green claimed the final spot on the 16-man roster. Green stood by his commitment to the Maroon and White even with a coaching change and will look to McMillan to develop his skill set.

Getting a chance to contribute to the 2025-26 season has been an uphill battle for some, with no one having a more difficult path than graduate student F Rashaun Agee. Transferring from USC, Agee has endured a rollercoaster battle with the NCAA, though he eventually emerged victorious with an injunction granting him eligibility for the 2025-26 season until his civil case goes to trial.

Living right up to the branding, Agee will be wearing the coveted No. 12 this season for McMillan’s squad, representing grit, determination and the Core Values of A&M.

A considerable amount of international talent has found its way to the roster, as well, with Spanish former pro sophomore G Rubén Dominguez and Finnish Texas Tech transfer graduate F Federiko Federiko set to make their Maroon and White debut.

Southern Illinois transfer fifth-year G Ali Dibba hails from Sweden and rounds out Aggieland’s newest European athletes. An-

other name who is sure to make a splash in A&M’s starting five is senior G Jacari Lane. A former North Alabama Lion, Lane averaged 17.3 points per game last season and was highly sought after in the portal over the offseason.

Year 1 under McMillan will surely be a sum of many parts, as continuity is a rare commodity in a program that is building itself from the ground up. Even so, the Aggies have reloaded their reserves and sharpened their resolve in hopes of surprising the world of college basketball with a successful year.

McMillan has a belief in what A&M can be and made it known at the SEC Tipoff what he sees in the Aggies.

“I think certain universities will have to choose what they’ll be good at,” McMillan said. “Texas A&M can be good at everything. My goal is always to get to the top of the league. We did that in high school and in the Southern Conference, and now in the SEC.”

While growing pains are sure to make a guest appearance at some point in the season, the hope of new beginnings under McMillan’s tenure is sure to get Reed rowdy when Northwestern State comes to town on Monday, Nov. 3.

It’s sure to be a whirlwind of uptempo action and fast-paced offense, so grab your Beaver Nuggets, rally your friends and buckle up for the Bucky Ball debut that is sure to revolutionize Aggie basketball.

Texas A&M women’s basketball eyes rebound

Aggies seek redemption after home losses, missing out on last year’s NCAA Tournament

By Kohen Hinojosa Sports Writer

The 2025-26 campaign presents a crucial fork in the road for Texas A&M women’s basketball. The program seeks to reshape expectations and restore its competitive standing in the Southeastern Conference after a difficult 2024-25 season, which concluded in a 10-19 overall record and a 3-13 finish in conference play. Olympic gold medalist coach Joni Taylor returns for her fourth season at the helm, still looking for a breakthrough after multiple disappointing seasons.

The new squad will open at home in Reed Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 5, against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders — a matchup that offers A&M a chance to set the tone early and start the pressure-filled rebuild off on the right foot. After last season’s results, the Aggies intend to lean into improved health and leadership to reshape their narrative. The season ahead will be framed by the program internally, and from the 12th Man as a “prove-it year” — one in which the Aggies must show real improvement or risk further decline.

However, there is optimism for this upcoming season, which stems from a full and more stable roster, something the Aggies have lacked in recent years due to injuries and significant player turnover.

This year the Maroon and white will hope that a full complement of 15 healthy players at the outset gives the team a better foundation from which to build. The presence of veterans like graduate student forward Lauren Ware offer experience, while younger and newly arrived players hope to fill out missing roles to elevate the team’s standard.

A notable influx of international talent — headlined by London-native junior forward Fatmata Janneh — underscores the Aggies’ new direction in recruiting. As Taylor pointed out at SEC Media Days, the

program features five international players this season, an indication of the global reach to create a stable and competitive team. That stability will come with uncertainty, as 12 new Aggies will debut in front of the 12th Man this season.

Even with a healthier, more talented roster, a return to success won’t be guaranteed. The SEC remains one of the toughest leagues in women’s college basketball, and A&M must not only stay healthy, but also rebuild while facing some of the most aggressive teams in the nation. Taylor’s 11-37 record in SEC play underscores how difficult her tenure in College Station has been, but with a new and healthy roster, the Aggies hope to lay a strong foundation for the future.

The Aggies’ season hit rock bottom when the Maroon and White committed 32 turnovers in a 77-37 SEC Tournament loss to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers — a microcosm of A&M’s season once star guard Aicha Coulibaly went down with a knee injury in her final collegiate season. In a post-Coulibaly world, Janneh is poised to carry the of fense given her 18.2 points and 2.4 assists per game last season for Saint Peter’s.

Supplying Janneh from the back court, junior G Janae Kent figures to shoul der more of an offensive load in her sec ond season in Aggieland. The former LSU transfer scored double figures eight times while playing the second-most minutes on the team in 2024, often using her physicality to slash her way into the paint.

Taylor brings both national experience and ambition; she was the recipient of the 2025 Women’s Basketball Coaches Associa tion Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award, and an Olympic gold medalist — highlighting her success as both a coach and athlete in the sport.

As College Station braces for tip-off and the first whistles of the season, expectations among fans may be modest but hopeful. But only time will tell as the 2025-26 season presents a true opportunity, one that will be tracked, judged and remembered by those in Maroon and White.

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