Texas A&M having no problems replacing elite difference makers from last year with new breakout star
Cashius Howell has stepped in big time to fill in the void left behind by Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton for the Texas A&M Aggies
Last year, the Texas A&M Aggies had two force multipliers up front on the defensive line with Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton harassing opposing offensive lines and giving opposing offensive coordinators nightmares throughout the season. Both of those players declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, and both were selected early, with Stewart joining the Cincinnati Bengals with the 17th pick and Scourton being selected 51st overall by the Carolina Panthers.
With the loss of two premier talents, many wondered how the Aggies were going to replenish their defensive line and pass rush. As it turns out, they already had the answer on their roster, and they are reaping the benefits of a breakout season from one of the best pass rushers in the country.
Defensive end Cashius Howell has stepped up and delivered for Texas A&M in 2025, and he has put himself firmly on NFL radars with his elite play. After a dominant performance against Mississippi State, Howell leads the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Cashius Howell Dominates For Texas A&M
Howell led a defensive surge for head coach Mike Elko’s defense and the Aggies in the second half of their win over Mississippi State that saw them pull away from the Bulldogs in a 31-9 SEC rout. It took a while for the Aggies’ offense to start clicking, but once they did, it opened up the pass rushing opportunities for their defense, and Howell…cashed in.
Howell turned in his second three-sack performance of the season to give him seven on the season. Those seven sacks and his eight tackles for loss both lead the SEC and are at the top of the FBS as well. Perhaps most impressively: Howell already has more sacks through five games this year than Stewart and Scourton combined for last season. His 22.8% win rate throughout the season is good for ninth in the nation, and is well ahead of where both Scourton and Stewart finished 2024.
Howell is a key part of A&M’s undefeated start to the 2025 season, and is arguably their best player on defense. If he keeps delivering performances like this, then the Aggies are likely well on their way to a College Football Playoff bid. Furthermore, it feels like it’s time to start talking about just how high in the 2026 NFL Draft Cashius Howell could go if he continues this level of play.
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