Some call it a family; others call it a cult. But one thing is certain: the students of Texas A&M University know a thing or two about traditions.
From the Ring Dunks to the Elephant Walk to the Yell Leaders (who critics love to point out are, in fact, all men), unique customs are woven into the maroon fabric of nearly everything in the City of College Station.
With the Aggie football team boasting a 9-0 record and a No. 3 ranking in the latest AP poll, it was only a matter of time before the 12th Man coined a new trend to commemorate the success.
Meet “#Chants.”
If you have the fortune of following Aggies on social media (or misfortune, depending on your allegiances), chances are you were bombarded with this new trend on Tuesday.
Woke up shivering.
The chants have made themselves into my dreams.
Chills.
— Sidelines – Texas A&M (@SSN_TAMU) November 11, 2025
“In contrast to many of A&M’s complex and strict traditions, the Chants movement is simple: chant star quarterback Marcel Reed’s name and declare that the experience gave you (or those around you) chills.”
“MAR-CEL REED. MAR-CEL REED. MAR-CEL REED.”
Aggies have always been vocal on social media (just ask Mark Stoops), but they really shine when an exciting sports season brings their passion to a boiling point.
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In a podcast conversation with host David Nuño from the A&M-centered TexAgs Live, content specialist Luke Evangelist explained the phenomenon as a way to “spread awareness about Marcel Reed”:
“A&M hasn’t played at Kyle Field in a very long time [since Oct. 11 vs. Florida], and A&M fans are simply excited to welcome their quarterback, Marcel Reed, back with chants of ‘Mar-cel Reed, Mar-cel Reed…’ There [are] reports that these chants are breaking out all over campus, people are chanting Marcel Reed’s name, on social media… You’re seeing people reply with ‘chills.’”
Reed’s performances on the field have certainly justified the fanbase’s collective chills. Through nine games, he has amassed 2,193 passing yards, 378 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns.
His efforts, combined with A&M’s team success in the ever-competitive SEC, have placed him squarely in discussions for the 2025 Heisman Trophy.
With three games left on the schedule, Aggie fans are hoping the trend will help push Reed further into the national spotlight as he attempts to solidify a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist. He has the chance to be A&M’s first Heisman finalist since Johnny Manziel in 2013.
After more than a month away from home, the Aggies will host the South Carolina Gamecocks. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN (sorry, YouTube TV users).
Chants are a given when you go to Kyle Field; the infamous Yell Leaders will make sure of it. But if you happen to hear a certain quarterback’s name over and over on Saturday, now you know why you’re feeling chills.
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