This is why the "stack chips" mentality can hurt your program. Sure it looks great in the recruiting rankings if you sign the top 5 linebackers in the country but the facts are you can only play so many at one time. You're also going to neglect other areas to over-fortify one specific spot. A&M would gladly trade one of their 280lb 5 star defensive linemen for a serviceable offensive tackle.
That said, they're not a bad team. They're lightyears better than the team that went 5-7 last year. They fell off in the secondary but made a hypersonic jump in the offensive passing game. Weigman is a solid QB who can make plays and they have some really solid receivers. Now are they any better than an 8-9 win team in the SEC? Probably not. They're likely still 8-4 again but that's not trash. It's just not great.
I don't believe the issue A&M has is 'stacking chips' as much as its developing talent and coaching.
There is no reason A&M shouldn't be a playoff team every year. They spend more, and make more, than anyone else in CFB. They are located in THE talent rich state. For years, the even had the advantage of being the only Texas SEC school and having a mediocre UTexas program to 'compete' with.
A&Ms issue has been their inability to hire the right HC. Looking at how Jimbo left FSU, it's not surprising how his time at A&M has been. They 'stole' Jimbo and gave him an absolutely ridiculous contract. And then gave him a 10 year extension is '21. Mind you, he's never won more than 9 games, in a season, at A&M.
Previously, Alabama, and, most recently, Georgia, have built dynasties with 'stacking chips'. Alabama's coaching fell off, and, so did their shine.
If I'm A&M, I'm already talking to urban and asking him to put a staff together. And, then I'm preparing to whatever 'health scare' he eventually has.