Anonymous SEC coach encourages teams to watch for Texas A&M defensive line in 2025

Mike Elko didn’t waste any time making his mark at Texas A&M last season. In his debut campaign in the driver’s seat, Elko led the Aggies to a 7-1 start and a Top-10 ranking in the AP Top 25.

Although a back slide at the end of the regular season prevented Texas A&M from reaching the College Football Playoff, it was still a promising first season for Elko. Now, the 47-year-old head coach is ready to ramp up his success and one anonymous SEC coach believes Texas A&M’s defensive line will be key to Elko’s efforts.

“Elko is going to be more involved on the defense, I think,” an anonymous SEC coach told Athlon Sports. “The need position in the offseason was defensive line, so watch for that.”

Texas A&M stocked up on defensive linemen this offseason, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. The Aggies added transfers Tyler Onyedim (Iowa State), TJ Searcy (Florida), Samuel M’Pemba (Georgia) and Dayon Hayes (Colorado).

Of course, Texas A&M will need all the talent it can find. This offseason, Texas A&M lost starting defensive ends Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, along with defensive tackle Shemar Turner, to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Defensive end Cashius Howell will be the most experienced returner on the D-line next season. Howell recorded 40 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and an interception last season.

Texas A&M’s losses weren’t limited to the draft, either. The team also lost five defensive linemen to the transfer portal, including former five-star prospect Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy. Despite the Aggies offseason losses, coaches around the league still expect Texas A&M to have another successful season.

“They didn’t finish strong, but the turnaround here was remarkable,” one SEC coach said. “As coaches, we talked about the culture at this place really falling to rock-bottom under Jimbo [Fisher]. You turn on the tape from [Mike] Elko, and those kids are playing harder, playing smarter. That’s coaching, but it’s culture. It’s the want-to.”

“Elko understands A&M, and eventually this could be the most physical, aggressive team in the league,” another anonymous SEC coach noted.

It won’t be an easy path for the Aggies. With a Week 3 showdown against Notre Dame, Texas A&M will be test early. After all, a loss could ultimately spell disaster for the Aggies’ CFP hopes, depending on how they perform during conference play.

Alas, before Texas A&M can look too far ahead, it must take care of the task at hand. The Aggies will kick off Year 2 under Mike Elko with a showdown against UTSA at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 30.