Texas A&M won’t miss a beat on the edge. That defensive end group is already carving out a clear path to stardom for the 2026 season. Good Bull Hunting handed this unit an A- grade, which feels like a solid starting point. Losing a second-round NFL draft pick usually creates a massive void, but the Aggies have a concrete plan to fill it. They’re leaning on a mix of returning standouts and fresh faces pulled from the transfer portal.
Replacing a Star Without a Drop-Off
Cashius Howell left a gaping hole when he suited up for the Cincinnati Bengals. He led the team with 11.5 sacks last year. Dayon Hayes moved on too after using up his eligibility, finishing with 4.5 sacks. Two more players, Rylan Kennedy and Solomon Williams, took their talents to Florida State and Cal respectively. The depth chart might look thin if you only scan the names that departed, but that’s not the whole story. Marco Jones is the anchor here. He flashed serious potential as a true freshman, logging 2.5 sacks. Good Bull Hunting notes that Jones is the player fans should be most excited about as a sophomore.
He’s ready to take that next step.
Head coach Mike Elko knows exactly how to find talent. He brought in Anto Saka from Northwestern, and this move is a gem. Saka is an incredible athlete who projects as a starter for the 2026 campaign. The Aggies also added Ryan Henderson, a pass-rushing specialist from San Diego State. Henderson notched seven sacks last season. These additions mean the unit has more than just one star. Sam M’Pemba and T.J. Searcy return to provide experience and depth. The high school trio of Bryce Perry-Wright, Tristian Givens, and Samu Moala might not play much, but they add to the depth.
Why the A- Grade is Too Low
Replacing 11.5 sacks is a tall order for any team. Good Bull Hunting explains that this fact keeps the grade from being an outright A. But the talent on the field tells a different story. Marco Jones is ready to grow, and Anto Saka looks poised to follow the tradition of star portal players under Elko. The depth situation is stronger than last year. The unit is built to rush the passer. If Jones and Saka both click, the A- grade will look like a mistake. This group has the tools to dominate the line of scrimmage.
They’ll be the ones dictating the pace of the game.
Sources: Good Bull Hunting
