As the Texas A&M Aggies gear up for the 2026 season, all eyes are on a revamped defensive line that's already earning high praise from those who know it best. After a record-breaking 10 players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft—including unanimous All-American edge rusher Cashius Howell and defensive linemen Albert Regis and Tyler Onyedim—head coach Mike Elko didn't waste any time reloading.

This offseason, Elko brought in a wave of veteran talent through the transfer portal, including Northwestern edge Anto Saka and defensive tackles CJ Sims (North Carolina) and Angelo McCullum (Illinois). The challenge of replacing Howell's 11.5 sacks is no small task, but Saka—at 6'4" and nearly 260 pounds—has already caught the eye of NFL scouts and is expected to step into the starting big defensive end role. Meanwhile, Sims is poised to fill Regis' shoes at nose tackle.

But the real wildcard? Junior defensive tackle DJ Hicks. Coming off a career-high 26 tackles and three sacks last season, Hicks' development this fall could make or break the unit. And according to someone who's faced this line in practice, the Aggies' D-line is more than ready to prove itself.

South Carolina transfer guard Trovon Baugh, who brings over 1,300 career blocking snaps to the Aggies' offensive line, didn't hold back when asked about his new defensive teammates. "A special group, very physical," Baugh said. "Those guys really enjoy competing. We've got a smart group, and they keep you on your toes."

Baugh, expected to start at right guard this fall, knows a thing or two about tough matchups. His experience facing elite defenses in the SEC makes his endorsement all the more meaningful. If the Aggies' defensive line can live up to the hype, Texas A&M fans are in for a physical, hard-nosed season that starts right in the trenches.