“‘Absolutely Not’ — Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko Shuts Down Shemar Stewart Rumor with Firm Denial”
The world of college football is no stranger to rumors, whispers, and speculations, especially when it comes to high-profile athletes and their potential movement. But when Texas A\&M head coach Mike Elko stood before reporters and was asked directly about swirling rumors involving defensive end Shemar Stewart, his answer was swift, clear, and definitive: “Absolutely not.” With those two words, Elko not only shut down the speculation but also reinforced the type of culture and transparency he’s striving to maintain at Texas A\&M. His categorical denial has since echoed across the college football landscape, providing insight into both his leadership style and the evolving expectations surrounding NIL, the transfer portal, and athlete loyalty in today’s game.
Shemar Stewart, the former five-star recruit and one of the crown jewels of Texas A\&M’s 2022 signing class, has been the subject of rampant speculation in recent weeks. Social media posts, anonymous “sources,” and message board chatter all converged to suggest that Stewart might be considering a move away from College Station. Given Stewart’s stature—both literally and figuratively—as a cornerstone of A\&M’s defense, any such departure would have seismic implications for the Aggies heading into the 2025 season. That is precisely why Mike Elko’s public rebuttal carries so much weight.
Elko, who took over as head coach following the departure of Jimbo Fisher, has made it his mission to restore discipline, focus, and competitive edge to a program that has long been seen as talented but inconsistent. In recent months, he has spoken repeatedly about the need for unity, trust, and accountability. When the Shemar Stewart rumor surfaced, Elko could have issued a generic non-answer or danced around the question. Instead, he chose to confront it directly, using unambiguous language that left no room for misinterpretation. “Absolutely not,” he said when asked if there was any truth to the rumor that Stewart was preparing to leave the program. He followed up by expressing confidence in Stewart’s commitment and reiterating that the defensive lineman had been an active participant in offseason workouts, meetings, and leadership activities.
What makes Elko’s response so significant is the broader context in which it was delivered. College football in 2025 is not the same as it was even five years ago. The introduction of NIL deals and the loosening of transfer portal restrictions have created an environment where roster fluidity is the norm. Star players are often courted by rival programs with promises of lucrative sponsorships and starting roles. As a result, fans have grown accustomed to hearing that a big name might be “exploring his options” or “weighing his future.” Against that backdrop, Elko’s refusal to entertain the Stewart rumor signals a deliberate departure from ambiguity and a renewed emphasis on clarity and structure.
It also says a great deal about Stewart himself. While the rumor mill churned, Stewart remained quiet on social media, avoiding the type of cryptic posts or emoji-laced messages that have become commonplace for athletes navigating transfer speculation. Those close to the program noted that Stewart had been a consistent presence during team activities and was even viewed as a mentor figure for younger defensive linemen. For a player once hyped as the next great SEC pass rusher, Stewart’s actions—rather than words—spoke volumes about his intentions. If there were ever any doubts about his focus or loyalty, Elko’s statement should put them to rest.
Of course, rumors rarely arise in a vacuum. One possible source of the speculation is Stewart’s lack of splashy stats in 2024, a year in which he was often double-teamed and asked to play a more versatile role within the Aggies’ defensive scheme. While he may not have lit up the stat sheet, coaches and analysts praised his growth as a run-stopper and his leadership on the field. For those unfamiliar with the nuances of defensive line play, it’s easy to mistake a lack of sacks for a lack of impact. In truth, Stewart’s presence allowed others on the line to thrive, and his film tells a story of relentless effort and high football IQ. Elko’s defense of Stewart in light of these facts underscores a deeper appreciation for what the young man brings to the program beyond raw numbers.
Moreover, Elko’s firm denial of the rumor also reflects his understanding of the importance of stability in the locker room. As he works to reestablish Texas A\&M as a perennial SEC contender, keeping core players like Stewart locked in is essential. Any whiff of discord or potential exits can destabilize team morale, hinder recruiting efforts, and fuel media narratives that the program is in flux. Elko’s decisive messaging wasn’t just about Shemar Stewart—it was about sending a signal to everyone inside and outside the program that Texas A\&M is united and focused.
Another interesting layer to this story is how Elko’s stance compares with how other coaches have handled similar situations. In an era where many coaches opt for vague statements, phrases like “We’ll see how things play out,” or “We support our players in whatever decision they make,” have become all too common. By contrast, Elko’s directness is refreshing, especially to a fan base that craves transparency and toughness. His “absolutely not” wasn’t just an answer—it was a declaration of leadership. It was a clear message that, under his watch, Texas A\&M will not be bullied by the rumor mill or allow external noise to disrupt internal progress.
The impact of Elko’s response also rippled into recruiting circles. High school prospects and their families pay close attention to how programs handle adversity and communicate with the public. When a head coach goes to bat for one of his players and publicly reaffirms their bond, it speaks volumes. It tells recruits that if they choose Texas A\&M, they’ll be joining a program where the head coach isn’t afraid to take a stand, protect his players, and provide stability in a volatile environment. For a program like A\&M, which competes not only in the grueling SEC but also in the national recruiting race, those optics matter.
It’s also worth noting how the fan base responded to Elko’s comments. Across social media platforms and fan forums, Aggie supporters largely praised the coach’s response. Many noted that his demeanor and directness were reminiscent of the no-nonsense leaders of college football’s past. In a landscape filled with spin and coach-speak, Elko’s authenticity struck a chord. For Texas A\&M fans, who have endured a rollercoaster of highs and lows over the last decade, having a coach who speaks plainly and backs his players is a welcome change.
Yet, as with all things in college football, time will be the true test. Elko’s denial of the Stewart rumor may have calmed the waters for now, but maintaining that stability will require constant vigilance. The Aggies’ upcoming season will be filled with challenges, both on the field and off. Injuries, performance dips, and outside influences will continue to test the program’s unity. But if Elko’s handling of the Stewart situation is any indication, Texas A\&M is better equipped than ever to weather those storms.
Shemar Stewart, for his part, appears poised for a breakout year. With another offseason of development, improved conditioning, and a clearer defensive scheme under Elko’s staff, he has all the tools to become one of the SEC’s most feared defenders. Scouts already rave about his explosiveness off the edge and his ability to disrupt plays even when he doesn’t reach the quarterback. If Stewart stays healthy and focused, there’s little doubt he’ll elevate both his draft stock and Texas A\&M’s defensive reputation.
In the end, the episode surrounding the Shemar Stewart rumor serves as a microcosm of the modern college football era—one where perception can shift in an instant, but leadership and clarity can still cut through the noise. Mike Elko’s “absolutely not” may have been a simple phrase, but it carried with it the weight of a program declaring its identity. No distractions. No drama. Just football. And for the Aggies, that might be exactly what they need to finally deliver on their immense potential.
