From SEC standout to NFL draft riser, Cashius Howell's explosive pass-rushing prowess secures his professional future.
Texas A&M's defensive front is officially entering a new era. One of the cornerstones of its recent success, Cashius Howell, has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, closing the book on a college career that ended with him among the most feared pass rushers in the country.
Howell made the announcement on Wednesday through social media, a message that read less like breaking news and more like a farewell tour stop. His eligibility was exhausted, and after a season that vaulted him into unanimous All-American status with first-round projections, there was never much mystery about his next move.
His path to stardom wasn't linear. Howell arrived in College Station as a transfer from Bowling Green, where he spent three seasons before betting on himself at a higher level. Early on, his role was rotational, but even then, the flashes were impossible to miss - 40 tackles, four sacks, and even an interception while working into the Aggies' defensive line rotation.
Then came the breakout.
With a full-time role this past season, Howell dominated. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, routinely wrecking game plans and forcing offenses to account for him on every snap. By the time his college career wrapped up, he had piled up 27 sacks and 125 tackles, numbers that reflect both consistency and growth.
For Texas A&M, Howell's departure is a major piece of a broader defensive line reset heading into 2026. For Howell, it's the natural next step - a leap from productive contributor to elite collegiate force, now aimed squarely at Sundays.
And for the 12th Man, it's a goodbye rooted in appreciation, not uncertainty. Howell gave Aggieland his best football, saved his strongest season for last, and now leaves with his draft stock soaring.