McGee came into A&M as a highly regarded passing quarterback, though he was forced to play in an option offense for three years under head coach Dennis Franchione. When Mike Sherman took over as the new head coach, the expectation becamr that he could thrive in a professional-style offense. He competed for the starting job with sophomore Jerrod Johnson, who was moved to wide receiver. McGee was named the starter for the season opener against Arkansas State, but the Aggies lost 14-18.