Texas A&M Defense Shines in SEC Play

College Station, Texas, October 8, 2025

News Summary

Texas A&M’s defense is leading the Southeastern Conference with an impressive average of just 9.5 points allowed per game. Key player Cashius Howell has made significant contributions, achieving seven sacks and eight tackles for loss through five games. His standout performance underscores the Aggies’ defensive prowess, particularly as they prepare to face the Florida Gators. Howell’s improvement from his previous season highlights the team’s dedication and hard work, contributing to their dominant ‘Wrecking Crew’ reputation in the SEC.

College Station, Texas – Texas A&M’s defense has showcased exceptional performance since the start of Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, allowing an average of just 9.5 points per game. This impressive feat places the Aggies at the forefront of defensive teams in the SEC, outperforming Alabama, which has given up an average of 17.5 points, and Ole Miss, which has allowed 27 points during the same period.

A standout player in this defensive unit is Cashius Howell, a first-year starter and second-year Texas A&M linebacker. Howell has significantly contributed to the Aggies’ defensive dominance, recording four of the team’s nine sacks over the last two games. His performance has been pivotal in maintaining their low scoring average against.

Currently leading the SEC in both sacks and tackles for loss, Howell has tallied seven sacks and eight tackles for loss through just five games this season. This achievement is notable as his total of seven sacks alone surpasses the combined total of 1½ sacks from last season’s early-round draft picks, Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, whose totals were considerably lower.

Before joining Texas A&M in 2024, Howell played at Bowling Green, where he had a standout year in 2023 with a career-high 9½ sacks and 10½ tackles for loss. His performance at A&M marks a significant transition as he steps into a more prominent role. In his previous season at Texas A&M, Howell recorded two sacks and 2½ tackles for loss.

The challenges of competing in the SEC have not hindered Howell’s productivity. In fact, he improved his defensive grade from 81.6 at the end of 2024 to 82.5 after the first five games of this season, showing remarkable growth in his performance. His best outing came against Mississippi State, where he secured three sacks and one pass defensed, earning a season-high defensive grade of 85.2. In contrast, his performance against Auburn was less stellar, with a grade of 65.6, though he still managed to record two tackles and one sack.

Howell attributes his success to a better understanding of his defensive responsibilities and newfound confidence in his abilities. This season, he has logged 239 snaps, indicating a significant increase in his role compared to the last year. He credits his development to practicing alongside some of the top talents in the previous season, which has helped prepare him for the current campaign.

Within the broader context, Texas A&M’s defense, often referred to as the “Wrecking Crew,” has demonstrated a marked increase in physicality and commitment this season. Howell emphasized that the defensive line shows a collective dedication to mastering their craft to achieve success on the field. As the team prepares to face the Florida Gators on Saturday night at Kyle Field, the Aggies’ defense is eager to continue asserting its dominance.

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Additional Resources

• 12th Man: Texas A&M Volleyball
• Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
• Sports Illustrated: Cashius Howell’s Impact
• Google Search: Texas A&M Defense
• KBTX: Reveille IX Funeral Plans
• Google Scholar: Reveille IX History
• Hail Florida Hail: Billy Napier’s Moment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Billy Napier
• Aggies Wire: Laden Williams Callis
• Google News: Texas A&M Recruiting

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