In a move that has energized the Texas A&M football community and reinforced the program’s renewed identity under Head Coach Mike Elko, the Aggies have officially named their 2025 team captains. Offensive linemen Trey Zuhn III and Ar’maj Reed-Adams, alongside linebacker Taurean York, will anchor the leadership of a squad that enters the season with sky-high expectations and a new sense of direction. The announcement was made during a closed team meeting at the Bright Football Complex, with players erupting into applause after Elko revealed the names of the trio selected to lead the Aggies through what could be a defining campaign for the program.
A Symbolic Selection in the Elko Era
This is Coach Elko’s second full season at the helm since returning to College Station, and naming the captains was a symbolic moment that reinforced his emphasis on leadership, discipline, and accountability. “These three young men represent everything we want this program to stand for,” Elko said during a press conference following the announcement. “They’ve earned the respect of their teammates and coaches through their work ethic, commitment, and performance, both on and off the field.”
Each of the selected captains embodies a distinct element of the Aggies’ identity. Trey Zuhn III, a redshirt senior and mainstay on the offensive line, brings stability and toughness. Taurean York, a junior linebacker and one of the most vocal presences in the locker room, is seen as the heart and soul of the defense. And Ar’maj Reed-Adams, another experienced lineman, is praised for his intelligence and leadership by example.
Trey Zuhn III: The Anchor on the Offensive Line
Zuhn has been with the program since 2021 and has gradually developed into one of the most reliable left tackles in the SEC. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 315 pounds, Zuhn’s imposing frame is matched by his technical skill and football IQ. After a breakout 2024 season in which he helped the Aggies average over 190 rushing yards per game, Zuhn returns as a leader on what could be one of the conference’s top offensive lines.
Zuhn’s journey hasn’t been without adversity. Injuries plagued his early seasons, but his resilience and perseverance have become part of his legacy at A&M. “Being named a captain is the greatest honor I could imagine,” Zuhn said. “This team means everything to me. I’ve grown up here in a lot of ways, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got in my final season.”
Teammates often speak about Zuhn’s attention to detail and his film study habits, often leading late-night sessions with younger linemen. Offensive line coach Steve Addazio has consistently highlighted Zuhn’s leadership as critical to the development of the younger group, including rising sophomore right tackle Bryce Foster.
Taurean York: The Voice of the Defense
If Zuhn is the steady hand, York is the beating heart. The linebacker has been an emotional leader since arriving in College Station in 2023, quickly making a name for himself as a true freshman starter. Despite his relatively small frame at 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, York plays with a ferocity that has earned him respect throughout the SEC.
York led the Aggies in tackles in 2024, finishing with 98 total stops, including 12 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was also a finalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker. His leadership is especially vital this season as Texas A&M undergoes a schematic shift under new defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff, who has implemented a more aggressive 4-2-5 look.
“This defense is going to fly around and hit people, and I’m going to make sure we do it together,” York said during spring camp. “Being named captain is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I want to be the voice and the energy that keeps us going, no matter the situation.”
York’s impact goes beyond the field. He has taken on a mentorship role for incoming freshmen, including 5-star linebacker recruit Kendall Thompson, who cited York as one of the main reasons he committed to A&M. His influence within the team is both immediate and far-reaching.
Ar’maj Reed-Adams: The Quiet Leader
In contrast to York’s intensity and Zuhn’s vocal leadership, Reed-Adams is a quiet force. He lets his play speak for itself. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, he has been a dominant presence on the interior offensive line since becoming a starter in 2022. Known for his quick feet, strong hands, and uncanny ability to read defensive alignments, Reed-Adams is seen as the cerebral center of the offense.
“Ar’maj is the type of guy who’s always two steps ahead,” said offensive coordinator Collin Klein. “He sees things before they happen. That kind of vision and poise is rare, and it’s exactly what you want from a leader.”
Reed-Adams is also one of the most academically accomplished players on the team, pursuing a degree in engineering and maintaining a 3.8 GPA. His time-management skills and focus have made him a role model within the program. “It’s not about being loud,” Reed-Adams said. “It’s about being consistent. I try to show up every day and be the best version of myself.”
The Weight of Leadership
The 2025 season comes with significant pressure. After a promising start under Elko last year that faded due to injuries and inconsistent play, expectations are higher than ever. With returning talent across the board and a top-10 recruiting class entering the fold, fans and analysts are watching closely to see if the Aggies can finally crack the upper echelon of the SEC and make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Having strong leadership is paramount in such an environment. Elko emphasized the importance of the captaincy roles as more than ceremonial. “They are the bridge between the staff and the locker room,” he said. “They set the tone for how we practice, how we prepare, and how we handle adversity.”
The trio has already begun to shape the team’s culture this offseason. Team bonding events, community service outings, and leadership seminars have all been coordinated in part by the captains. According to strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt, their influence has been evident in early morning workouts. “You can tell when a team has real leaders,” Moffitt said. “Guys show up earlier. They push each other. That’s what’s happening right now.”
A Glimpse Into the Locker Room
The moment the captains were announced, several players took to social media to express their support. Sophomore quarterback Jaxon Williams posted, “No better leaders than these three. Let’s ride!” Defensive end Shemar Stewart shared a photo with York from last season, captioned, “My brother. Been a leader since day one.”
Inside the Bright Football Complex, the mood is focused but optimistic. Offensive linemen have rallied around Zuhn and Reed-Adams to push each other in drills, often challenging each other to win individual matchups. Meanwhile, York has been spotted running extra tackling drills with underclassmen and even hosting weekly film nights for the defensive unit.
Veteran wide receiver Moose Muhammad III offered insight into the leadership dynamic. “They’re different personalities, but they complement each other,” he said. “Zuhn’s the strategist, York’s the motivator, and Ar’maj is the stabilizer. That balance is powerful.”
Eyes on the Goal
As the 2025 schedule looms — featuring high-profile matchups against Alabama, LSU, Texas, and Notre Dame — the pressure will only intensify. But with these three leaders at the helm, the Aggies are better positioned than ever to handle the spotlight.
Coach Elko’s decision to empower veteran linemen and a rising defensive star signals a strong emphasis on core values and internal leadership. The choice of captains could prove to be a pivotal moment in shaping the season’s trajectory.
“We know what’s expected,” Zuhn said at the team’s spring luncheon. “Now it’s time to deliver.”
With Trey Zuhn III, Taurean York, and Ar’maj Reed-Adams leading the charge, Texas A&M fans have every reason to believe that 2025 could be the season that turns potential into legacy.
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