On Monday morning, On3 insider Chris Low revealed the permanent rivals for all 16 SEC programs, which will be set in stone starting in 2026. According to the report, Texas A&M will reportedly face Texas, LSU, and the Missouri Tigers every season, a surprising development that caught many off guard when the news was released.

Leading up to the reveal, those of us who cover the team, combined with most of the Aggie fan base, believed that Texas, Arkansas, and either LSU or Mississippi State would be the choices. Still, after entering the SEC before the 2012 season, the LSU rivalry had been one of the more exciting matchups year after year, while the Aggies have dominated Arkansas, losing just one game over the last 12 seasons.

On Monday afternoon, coach Mike Elko was asked about the selection, providing one of the more comical quotes that matched our own surprise at the choice, especially given that Missouri was the last team many of us considered as one of Texas A&M’s respected rivals.

“It’s good that we’re playing the in-state rivalry. It’s always good to play LSU. With Missouri, I’m not really sure how they fit that in, but it is what it is.”

The Lone Star Showdown with the Texas Longhorns was never going anywhere. While LSU will continue to be a competitive battle every year, Texas A&M has only faced Missouri five times since the 2012 season, culminating with last season’s 41-10 win in Kyle Field before the Aggies head to Columbia this season.

On Tuesday, Texas A&M’s nine-game conference schedule will be revealed.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: HC Mike Elko ‘isn’t really sure’ why Missouri is A&M’s permanent rival