​After ranking second in the Southeastern Conference with 43 total sacks last season, Texas A&M’s defensive line is looking to wreak havoc again in 2026, despite production losses of former stars moving to the NFL.Since being named the head coach of the Aggies in November 2022, Mike Elko has proven he can develop talent at an elite level and send them to the league, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In the Elko era, six of the 10 defensive players selected in the NFL Draft have been on the defensive line.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter losing star edge rusher Cashius Howell, along with powerful defensive tackles Albert Regis and Tyler Onyedim, the Aggies rebuilt by bringing in All-Big Ten honoree EDGE Anto Saka and North Carolina standout CJ Mims. The return of DJ Hicks and TJ Searcy, while also signing four-star Bryce Perry-Wright, provides even more depth to what could be one of the most talented groups in the SEC.Here is a preview of what Texas A&M’s defensive line brings to the table in 2026:Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle DJ Hicks (5) runs the ball after a strip sack during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesDE, #10 Marco Jones (6’5″, 258 lbs) – Soph.DE, #14 Anto Saka (6’4″, 255 lbs) – Grad. (Northwestern)DE, #15 Sam M’Pemba (6’3″, 252 lbs) – RS Jr. (Georgia)DE, #16 Bryce Perry-Wright (6’2″, 253 lbs) – Fr.DE, #18 TJ Searcy (6’5″, 255 lbs) – Sr. (Florida)DE, #12 Nana Boadi-Owusu (6’1″, 246 lbs) – Grad.DE, #22 Tristian Givens (6’3″, 215 lbs) – Fr.DE, #55 Samu Moala (6’4″, 247 lbs) – Fr.DE, #98 Jesse Chukwu (6’0″, 225 lbs) – RS Sr.DT, #5 DJ Hicks (6’3″, 295 lbs) – Sr.DT, #11 Brandon Davis-Swain (6’4″, 290 lbs) – RS Soph. (Colorado)DT, #59 Chance Sims (6’3″, 294 lbs) – RS Fr.DT, #92 CJ Mims (6’2″, 300 lbs) – RS Sr. (North Carolina)DT, #88 DJ Sanders (6’3″, 315 lbs) – RS Fr.DT, #93 Nathan Mabon (6’0″, 292 lbs) – RS Fr.DT, #94 Angelo McCullom (6’2″, 300 lbs) – Jr.DT, #98 Jermaine Kinsler (6’5″, 285 lbs) – Fr.DT, #99 Landon Rink (6’2″, 294 lbs) – Soph.CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 25: CJ Mims #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts following a defensive play against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)Starting Defensive LineDefensive end – Anto SakaDefensive tackle (3-tech) – DJ HicksNose tackle – CJ MimsJACK (EDGE) – Marco JonesBackup Defensive LineDefensive end – TJ SearcyDefensive tackle (3-tech) – Landon RinkNose tackle – Angelo McCullomJACK (EDGE) – Sam M’PembaNov 22, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Samford Bulldogs quarterback Quincy Crittendon (2) is sacked by Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Marco Jones (10) in the second half of a game at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Buvid-Imagn ImagesAnto SakaSaka was brought to Texas A&M to replace lost