Texas A&M’s defensive line rebuild features CJ Sims and DJ Hicks as key leaders for the Aggies’ 2026 defense after NFL Draft departures.
Texas A&M football is rebuilding its defensive front for the 2026 season, and the Aggies are leaning heavily on transfer portal additions and rising stars to keep the program’s defensive identity intact.
With veterans Albert Regis and Tyler Odyedim heading to the 2026 NFL Draft, the spotlight now turns to CJ Sims and DJ Hicks to anchor the Texas A&M defensive line.
The Aggies believe the new-look interior group could actually become stronger against the run thanks to added size, experience, and versatility.
Former North Carolina defensive lineman CJ Sims arrives in College Station with high expectations.
The 300-pound transfer recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2025, showing the kind of production that caught the attention of analysts across the state.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football writer Mike Craven recently ranked Sims No. 6 among Texas-based defensive linemen, noting his ability to impact both the run and passing game.
“Mims is a disruptive force in the middle who can occupy blockers and free up linebackers,” Craven wrote. “He recorded more tackles in 2025 than any other player on the list, however, so he’s not simply a space-eater.”
Sims is expected to take over the nose tackle role previously held by Regis, giving Texas A&M a physical presence in the middle of the defense.
Meanwhile, DJ Hicks enters what could be a defining season in his Aggies career. The former five-star recruit finished the 2025 season with 26 tackles and a career-high three sacks, flashing his potential as a disruptive interior pass rusher.
Craven ranked Hicks No. 10 on his list of top Texas defensive linemen, but emphasized the need for greater consistency.
“Hicks needs to play with more consistency, especially against the run,” Craven noted.
Hicks showed flashes of dominance throughout the season, including two tackles for loss against Notre Dame and a strong performance against Miami late in the year.
With transfers Angelo McCullum and CJ Sims joining Hicks and senior T.J. Searcy, new defensive line coach Elijah Robinson will have a deep rotation to build around.
If Hicks takes the leap many expect, the Aggies’ defensive front could quickly become one of the SEC’s most dangerous units.