This offseason, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, entering his third season at the helm, made several stops at various A&M Clubs in the Lone Star State, speaking to the Aggie alumni base and providing an extensive preview of the 2026 season. After making the trip to SEC Media Days two weeks ago, Texas A&M is less than five weeks away from hosting Missouri State in the season-opener on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Returning 65% of the 2025 roster, combined with 17 transfer portal additions and the 2026 signing class, redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed’s need to improve in “big games” after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions has been the primary talking point this offseason, but Texas A&M’s revamped defensive line deserves more attention.
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This week ESPN’s Dave Wilson named A&M’s defensive line as the “X factor” that could deterime the Aggies’ postseason fate, and while Marcel Reed, and four new starters across the offensive line will also play a significant part Elko’s squad making it back to the College Football Playoff, producing a consistent pass rush and stopping the run was a major issued during both losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the CFP.
One of the more critical returnees in the defensive trenches, former five-star and senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks is close to reaching his full potential after taking another step last season. During his recent stop at the A&M Houston Club, Mike Elko noted Hicks’ vast importance to the Aggies’ defensive goals.
“It’s DJ Hicks’ time. He’s a kid who’s been working extremely hard over the last few years to be a fundamental master on the defensive line. He will for sure lead that line.”
Last season, Hicks, alongside nose tackle Albert Regis and defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim, produced 26 tackles and three sacks, both career highs, and was one of the program’s more reliable run defenders. Hicks will be counted on to create more pressure inside, which will allow transfer Edge Anto Saka and senior defensive end T.J. Searcy to crash inside and constrict the pocket.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ‘It’s DJ Hicks’ time’: Texas A&M senior DT faces high expectations
