The Texas A&M Aggies are set to look quite different in 2025, with their defensive line undergoing the most significant changes. The Aggies have only one returning starter from last season’s defensive line, which included two potential first-round NFL Draft picks, Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart. This raises the question: how will Texas A&M replace them?
Here’s a look at the projected defensive starters for the Aggies next season:
Left Defensive End: Dayon Hayes
The biggest question for the Aggies’ defense is who will step up to replace two potentially first-round edge rushers. Texas A&M brought in three edge rushers to fill the void left by Scourton and Stewart, but none of them have yet demonstrated their full potential statistically. For now, Dayon Hayes, a transfer from Colorado, is projected to start on the left edge, although he will face competition from fellow transfers Sam M’Pemba (Georgia) and T.J. Searcy (Florida), as well as Rylan Kennedy and Soloman Williams.
Nose Tackle: Albert Regis
Regis is one of the few returning starters on the defensive front. Heading into his senior season, he’s coming off a solid junior year with 36 tackles, half a sack, and six passes defended in 12 starts across 13 games.
Defensive Tackle: DJ Hicks
While not a returning starter, Hicks will take over the role left by Shemar Turner. He has experience, having played in 25 games over his first two seasons. As a sophomore, Hicks recorded 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Right Defensive End: Tyler Onyedim
Onyedim, a transfer from Iowa State, is another former transfer who may start for the Aggies. In his three seasons with the Cyclones, he appeared in at least 12 games each year, compiling 90 tackles, 13 for loss, three sacks, and one interception. Last season, he posted 33 tackles and three tackles for loss.
WILL Linebacker: Taurean York
The Aggies bring back both starting inside linebackers, with York being the longest-tenured. After playing alongside Edgerrin Cooper as a true freshman, York had a strong sophomore season, starting in all 13 games with 82 tackles, 10 for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. Behind him will be Jordan Lockhart, along with incoming freshmen Noah Mikhail and Kelvion Riggins.
MIKE Linebacker: Scooby Williams
Williams, a transfer from Florida, was productive in his first season with the Aggies. He played in 11 games and recorded 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and one interception. His decision to stay in school rather than enter the NFL Draft gives Texas A&M two experienced inside linebackers alongside a potentially younger defensive line.
Left Cornerback: Julian Humphrey
With Texas A&M’s passing defense ranking 90th last season, changes are expected in the secondary. Elko made moves by adding transfers Julian Humphrey (Georgia) and Jordan Shaw (Washington), with one likely starting next season. Humphrey, who began last season as one of Georgia’s outside cornerbacks before transferring midseason, is projected to start for the Aggies. He had 10 tackles and four passes defended in 11 games for the Bulldogs last year.
Right Cornerback: Will Lee
Lee is expected to keep his starting role alongside Humphrey. He started all 13 games last season, earning second-team All-SEC honors and posting a 68.1 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. His strong performance last season makes it likely he will retain his spot next year.
Nickel: Jordan Shaw
Shaw, who transfers from Washington, will likely slot in at nickel for the Aggies. During his 13-game season with the Huskies, he played primarily as a slot corner, recording 37 tackles, four for loss, and six passes defended. Shaw, who started his career at Indiana, will be playing for his third school in as many years and is expected to start in College Station.
Strong Safety: Marcus Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe, a transfer from San Diego State, started 12 of his 13 games last season for Texas A&M. He posted 48 tackles, four for loss, and three interceptions, earning a 69.8 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. He is projected to remain a starter in his junior season.
Free Safety: Bryce Anderson
Anderson is also expected to keep his starting role. Last season, he played in all 13 games, recording 24 tackles, three for loss, one interception, and two passes defended. He will be backed up by Jared Kerr and Jared Johnson.
Leave a Reply