Marco Jones could be Texas A&M’s next star pass rusher as the Aggies rebuild their defensive line with transfers and young talent.
Texas A&M football has a new-look defensive line for 2026, but Marco Jones may be the player who turns it into something dangerous.
The sophomore edge rusher enters the summer as one of the Aggies’ most exciting breakout candidates after Texas A&M lost two major pieces to the NFL Draft.
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Albert Regis went in the third round, while the Cincinnati Bengals selected unanimous All-American Cashius Howell in the second round.
That leaves production to replace, but not a shortage of talent.
Jones, a former four-star prospect from California, has the kind of frame coaches dream about. At 6-5, he brings length, burst and positional flexibility to Mike Elko’s defense.
Last season, Jones played in eight games and finished with 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks, flashing the pass-rush tools that could make him a future NFL prospect.
His role at the Jack position gives Texas A&M options. Jones can rush off the edge, stand up as a hybrid linebacker or attack favorable matchups against weaker blockers.
That versatility is a big reason he’s viewed as one of the most important players on the Aggies’ defense.
Texas A&M also added help through the transfer portal. Northwestern edge Anto Saka joins the rotation, while defensive tackles CJ Sims from North Carolina and Angelo McCullum from Illinois should strengthen the interior run defense.
Jones isn’t shying away from expectations, either. He told TexAgs the Aggies can be “a good problem” if they keep working and stay focused.
The early signs were encouraging during the Maroon & White Game, where Texas A&M’s defense looked more physical and bigger after a spring under strength coach Tommy Moffitt.
The Aggies have questions up front, but Jones gives them a fascinating answer.
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