Texas A&M Aggies running back Reuben Owens has turned down a massive $7.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Tennessee, opting to remain in College Station and finish his college career with the Aggies. The decision, reported on August 16, 2025, by CorrectSports, comes after Tennessee’s bold attempt to lure the star running back through the transfer portal, doubling his current NIL valuation. Owens’ choice to stay with Texas A&M underscores his commitment to the program and his determination to leave a lasting legacy in Aggieland.
A Bold Rejection in the NIL Era
Reuben Owens, a 5’11”, 200-pound sophomore from El Campo, Texas, has been a cornerstone of Texas A&M’s running back room since arriving as a five-star recruit in the 2023 class. The $7.7 million NIL offer from Tennessee, described as a “tampering move” by sources close to the situation, was a blockbuster deal that would have made Owens one of the highest-paid college athletes in the nation. According to CorrectSports, the offer was nearly double his current NIL valuation, estimated at $3.1 million by On3 as of late 2024, which already ranked him among the top earners in college football.
Despite the financial temptation, Owens reaffirmed his commitment to Texas A&M, where he has deep roots and a vision for leading the Aggies to SEC and national prominence. “This is my home, and I’m not done here,” Owens reportedly told his inner circle. “I want to win with the Aggies and build something special.” His decision is a rare rebuke of the transfer portal’s pull in an era where lucrative NIL deals often sway top talent to new programs.
Owens’ Journey: From Five-Star to Aggie Star
Owens’ path to this moment has been marked by high expectations and resilience. A standout at El Campo High School, he rushed for over 7,000 yards and 100 touchdowns, earning accolades like co-offensive player of the year by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and selections to the 2023 Army All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl. Rated the No. 1 running back in the 2023 class by 247Sports, Owens drew offers from programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Louisville before committing to Texas A&M after a brief decommitment from Texas.
As a true freshman in 2023, Owens burst onto the scene, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors with 385 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 743 all-purpose yards, leading all SEC true freshmen. His versatility as a runner, receiver (12 catches for 109 yards), and kick returner (249 yards) showcased his dynamic skill set, drawing comparisons to former Aggie Devon Achane and NFL star Rashaad Penny. However, a significant lower-body injury during 2024 fall camp sidelined him for the entire season, a setback that tested his resolve but fueled his comeback in 2025.
Owens returned for the final two games of the 2024 season, including a brief appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl against USC, rushing for 66 yards on 16 carries. Now fully healthy, as reported by On3 and Statesman, Owens has expressed feeling “way stronger” and “100%,” with improved speed and cutting ability. Head coach Mike Elko praised his toughness and mindset, noting, “His urgency to play at a high level has stepped up… He understands how much he loves this game after it was taken away.”
Tennessee’s Tampering Attempt
Tennessee’s $7.7 million NIL offer was a calculated move to bolster their backfield under coach Josh Heupel, whose high-octane offense relies on explosive playmakers. The Volunteers, coming off a 9-4 season in 2024, saw Owens as a perfect fit to replace departing talent and elevate their SEC standing. Sources suggest the offer included endorsements, sponsorships, and a prominent role in Tennessee’s offensive scheme, leveraging their robust NIL collective.
However, the move has been labeled as “tampering” by some in the college football community, as it involved direct outreach to a player under contract with another program. While the NCAA’s NIL rules allow for such negotiations, the ethics of targeting committed players remain contentious. Owens’ rejection of the deal is a significant blow to Tennessee’s recruiting efforts and a testament to his loyalty to Texas A&M, where he has developed under Elko’s leadership.
Impact on Texas A&M’s 2025 Season
Owens’ decision to stay is a massive win for Texas A&M as they prepare for the 2025 season, which kicks off against UTSA on August 30. The Aggies’ running back room, described as “in great shape” by Aggies Wire, includes Owens, junior Le’Veon Moss (765 yards, 10 touchdowns in 2024), and Amari Daniels, with freshmen Deondrae “Tiger” Riden and Jamarion Morrow adding depth. Owens, now healthy, is expected to lead the backfield, with Elko and offensive coordinator Collin Klein designing plays to maximize his explosive potential.
Texas A&M’s 2024 season ended with an 8-5 record, including a loss to South Carolina that saw Moss suffer a season-ending knee injury. Owens’ return, alongside Moss’s recovery, positions the Aggies for a strong 2025 campaign in the SEC, where they’ll face rivals like Texas and LSU. His decision to stay also boosts team morale and signals to recruits that Texas A&M remains a destination for top talent, despite earlier criticism of their NIL spending, which some claimed reached $30 million for the 2022 class.
A Statement of Character
Owens’ rejection of Tennessee’s offer resonates beyond the field, highlighting his character and priorities. “This is a business, but it’s also about loyalty and doing what’s right for you,” Owens said in a 2022 statement after committing to Texas A&M. His choice to stay reflects a focus on legacy over immediate financial gain, a rarity in the NIL-driven landscape. Fans on X have celebrated his decision, with one posting, “Reuben Owens is Aggie through and through. Turning down $7.7M to stay? That’s heart.” Another wrote, “TAMU’s future is bright with guys like Owens leading the way.”
Leave a Reply