'Maturity': Texas A&M transfer Edge on pace to dominate in 2026

One of Texas A&M coach Mike Elko’s main objectives this offseason was finding a replacement for unanimous All-American Edge Cashius Howell, who finished his final season in College Station on the highest of highs, leading the SEC in sacks (11.5) combined with 41 pressures, while is short arms were the only reason he was selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, going early in Round 2 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Before utilizing the transfer portal, Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill knew that rising sophomore Edge Marco Jones was on track to replace most of Howell’s snaps in 2026, but in order for the former blue-chip prospect to reach his full potential, landing a proven Edge from the portal with the size, length, and pass-rush potential was the goal.

Thanks to Mike Elko’s development track record after six defensive linemen were selected in the last two drafts, Northwestern transfer Edge Anto Saka chose the Aggies over several blue-blood programs, as the two-time selection on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List,” standing 6’4″ and 255 pounds, and is slated to start as Mike Elko’s big defensive end this season.

After 16 preseason practices, an anonymous source described Saka as a “grown man” expected to add “another layer to the Aggies’ pass rush,” while his background as a reliable run defender is equally important given A&M’s run defense issues late last season.

On Thursday, Mike Elko continued to praise Saka’s professionalism and work ethic, which, combined with senior defensive end T.J. Searcy, is slated to pick up where Cashius Howell left off this fall.

“Maturity. You’re bringing in a kid who has played a lot of football… He has integrated into that room. He’s another physical kid. We have a really strong, deep group of defensive ends, and he’s a big piece of it.”

“Maturity. You’re bringing in a kid who has played a lot of football… He has integrated into that room. He’s another physical kid. We have a really strong, deep group of defensive ends, and he’s a big piece of it.”

S&C coach Tommy Moffitt deserves the bulk of the credit for Texas A&M’s uptick in physicality during the 2025 season, and Anto Saka’s relentless play fits perfectly in a defensive line room that is looking to shut down the doubters early in the year.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.