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2mo ago

Penn State Coaching Search Trains Its Sights on Mike Elko as Texas A&M Eyes Retention Deal

Rece Davis has cast Elko as Penn State’s “big swing” candidate.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 18: Head Coach Mike Elko of the Texas A&M Aggies leads the team onto the field before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Aggies defeated the Razorbacks 45-42. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - AUGUST 30: Head coach Mike Elko of the Texas A&M Aggies looks on prior to the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Kyle Field on August 30, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Penn State remains in an active search after firing James Franklin on Oct. 11, and the team has since lost a fourth straight game under interim coach Terry Smith.
  • Texas A&M’s Mike Elko, a New Jersey native who played at Penn, is being widely discussed as a leading target for the vacancy.
  • On ESPN’s College GameDay Podcast, Rece Davis urged Penn State to pursue Elko as the program’s bold move.
  • Elko brushed off speculation about leaving, calling the chatter “a waste of brain space,” and his wife said, “We’re not going anywhere.”
  • With the Aggies 7-0 and ranked No. 3 before facing LSU, ESPN’s Pete Thamel said A&M could prepare a preventative contract extension to keep Elko in College Station.