One Texas A&M edge rusher is getting major recognition in the 2026 NFL Draft, that is, if he lives up to one analyst's expectations.
A major upgrade for the Aggies' defense would be getting to the quarterback more often. They couldn't bring LaNorris Sellers to the ground to save their lives, and Nic Scourton's injury late in the season didn't help them much either. The only edge rusher to give the Aggies some hope for this season is Cashius Howell.
Pro Football Focus highlighted Howell's stats going back to 2023, and his confidence has only grown since then. Jordan Reid of ESPN seems to think he can break out to new heights and even improve his draft stock in the process.
ESPN analyst tells fans to remember Cashius Howell's name after this season
Cashius Howell, EDGE/OLB, Texas A&M
Remember the name. You won’t find his name on many preseason watchlists. Waited his turn behind Scourton and Stewart. Turn on the USC tape. Explosive, natural pass rusher, effective spin move.
Huge breakout candidate.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 19, 2025
Howell transferred to A&M from Bowling Green, where he started to find his confidence when he racked up 9.5 sacks the season before he transferred. Last season with the Aggies, he shattered his previous record of tackles in a season, finishing with 40 total last year.
In the USC game, he was flying all over the field, and he finished with five tackles, one sack and one interception. This was the glimpse of hope that Reid was talking about that will hopefully give some momentum going into the season.
Some non-QB prospects that I have circled as potential breakout candidates this season:
• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
• Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
• Cashius Howell, EDGE/OLB, Texas A&M👀
• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
• Christen Miller, IDL, Georgia
• Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 19, 2025
Howell has already been listed as a potential first-round pick by ESPN for 2026. Of course, it's much too early to say, as a lot of things have to happen in order for that to happen. If Howell plays a healthy season and does he what he's supposed to, there's no reason to believe that Howell won't be one of the first 32 guys picked.