Texas A&M’s Defensive Line Faces Key Departures, Leaving Gaps in Depth and Experience
As Texas A&M prepares for the upcoming college football season, one of the most pressing concerns for head coach Mike Elko and his staff is the state of the defensive line. Once considered one of the Aggies’ deepest and most talented units, the defensive front is now in transition following a wave of departures through the NFL Draft, graduation, and the transfer portal. These losses have created a noticeable void in both depth and experience that must be addressed if Texas A&M hopes to remain competitive in the SEC.
The most significant departure is that of McKinnley Jackson, the former five-star recruit and team captain who anchored the middle of the defensive line. Jackson’s strength and leadership were invaluable assets over the past few seasons, and his departure leaves a large gap—both literally and figuratively. His presence consistently demanded double teams, freeing up teammates to make plays. Without him, the Aggies will need someone to step up and fill that disruptive role in the trenches.
Adding to the concern, edge rusher Fadil Diggs entered the transfer portal, stripping the defense of another veteran playmaker. Diggs was one of the most consistent pass rushers on the roster and had become a steady presence on the edge. Combined with other departures, including depth players who saw time in rotational roles, the defensive line has lost not only starting talent but the kind of second-string reliability that often defines success in a long SEC campaign.
In response to these changes, Texas A&M will be forced to rely on younger, less experienced players. Sophomore defensive linemen such as Shemar Stewart and Walter Nolen, both former top recruits, are now expected to take on starting roles and significant playing time. Their potential is undeniable, but the transition from rotation pieces to every-down contributors in the SEC is a steep climb. They’ll need to grow quickly, especially against conference foes with elite offensive lines.
The Aggies have also looked to the transfer portal themselves in an effort to bolster the position group. However, building chemistry and system familiarity takes time—something the team doesn’t have in abundance before the season begins. Defensive line coach Elijah Robinson will play a crucial role in accelerating development and fostering cohesion among this reshuffled unit.
Beyond raw talent, what the defensive line lacks most right now is experience. In the SEC, where the margin for error is razor-thin, veteran savvy and game-time repetitions often make the difference between a stop on third down and a long scoring drive. Without proven leaders up front, Texas A&M’s defense could find itself vulnerable, particularly early in the season as younger players adjust.
Ultimately, how quickly the Aggies can retool their defensive line will likely shape the trajectory of their season. If the new starters can fulfill their promise and the depth pieces mature into reliable contributors, Texas A&M could weather the storm. But if growing pains persist, the Aggies might struggle to control the line of scrimmage—a dangerous prospect in the most physical conference in college football.
