Coach Jackie Sherrill led the Texas A&M Football program to unprecedented heights, transforming it into a Southwest Conference (SWC) powerhouse during his tenure from 1982 to 1988. The pinnacle of Sherrill's reign came from 1985 to 1987, during which the Aggies clinched three consecutive SWC titles and finished in the top 10 national rankings twice. In the 1986 Cotton Bowl, the Aggies and their vaunted “Wrecking Crew” defense stopped Auburn (36-16) and their Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson 36-16. Early in the 4th quarter of that game, the Aggies stopped Jackson & Auburn with a memorable goal line stand from their own ix-yard line. The Aggies drew another Heisman Trophy winner in the 1988 Cotton Bowl when they were matched up against Notre Dame and Tim Brown. The Aggies' defense once again answered the call this time in a 35-10 decision. During his seven-year tenure at Texas A&M, Sherrill amassed an impressive overall record of 52-28-1, including a notable 36-17-1 record in the SWC, making him one of the most successful coaches in Aggie history. Sherrill was also named SWC Coach of the Year three times consecutively from 1985 to 1987. He revolutionized the Texas A&M football experience by establishing the Texas A&M Football Radio Network, providing fans with unprecedented access to live game coverage. Additionally, he spearheaded the construction of the nation's premier training facility, setting a new standard of excellence in collegiate athletics. Furthermore, he is largely remembered for the iconic 12th Man Kickoff Team, a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit and unity of the Aggie community. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.