In 2025, the Texas A&M Aggies are counting on their retooled defense to make waves in the SEC.

As the college football landscape constantly evolves, one thing remains certain: defense wins championships. For the Texas A&M Aggies, the upcoming 2025 season is set to be a pivotal year, as the team is gearing up for a season where its revamped defense is expected to take center stage. With major personnel changes, key transfers, and a renewed focus on defensive dominance, the Aggies are looking to reassert themselves in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive conferences in college football.

While Texas A&M has historically been known for having potent offenses, their defense has often been the determining factor in their success. However, recent seasons have seen the Aggies struggle defensively, leaving gaps and vulnerabilities that have allowed opponents to capitalize. Heading into 2025, head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff have made it a priority to address these issues, creating a retooled defense with the potential to turn the tide for the Aggies as they seek to contend with the best in the SEC.

The defense is expected to be the backbone of the 2025 Aggies, and with a mixture of experienced players, promising newcomers, and strategic coaching changes, the team is poised to make significant strides this season. The SEC is home to powerhouse offenses, and Texas A&M will need to prove it can shut down these high-powered attacks to stay competitive. A strong defense will be critical not only for winning games but for keeping the Aggies in the hunt for an SEC Championship and potentially a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth.

The Aggies’ Defensive Struggles and How They’ve Addressed Them

In recent years, Texas A&M’s defense has seen its share of struggles, particularly in critical games against SEC opponents. While the team has had flashes of brilliance, inconsistency in execution and depth has often held them back. The Aggies allowed an average of 25.6 points per game in 2024, a figure that ranked middle-of-the-pack in the SEC, a conference known for its stingy defenses.

One of the primary areas where the Aggies have struggled defensively is in pass coverage. Against teams with elite quarterbacks and dynamic passing games, Texas A&M has sometimes been exposed, allowing big plays and touchdowns that have proven to be the difference-makers in games. In addition to the secondary, the linebacker corps has also had its ups and downs, with injuries and a lack of consistent play affecting the unit’s ability to defend both the run and pass effectively.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Aggies’ coaching staff has recognized these areas for improvement and has worked tirelessly in the offseason to retool the defense and address the shortcomings. The goal is simple: become one of the toughest defensive units in the SEC and provide the offense with the opportunities it needs to succeed.

Key Players to Watch on the 2025 Aggies Defense

Several key players will be central to the success of Texas A&M’s retooled defense in 2025. The Aggies have bolstered their roster with high-impact recruits, transfers, and returning players who are expected to play major roles.

1. Edge Rusher: Michael Harris
A major focus for the Aggies’ defense in 2025 will be the ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Michael Harris, an edge rusher who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, is expected to be a major player on the defensive line. Harris is a physical specimen, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, and has the ability to wreak havoc in the backfield. With an offseason focused on refining his technique and adding muscle, Harris is poised to be one of the top pass rushers in the SEC in 2025.

In the SEC, where explosive quarterbacks are common, having a player like Harris who can pressure the pocket and get after the quarterback will be crucial for Texas A&M’s defense. His ability to force mistakes and disrupt offensive schemes will make him a central figure in the Aggies’ defense this season.

2. Cornerback: Jalen Walker
In the secondary, Jalen Walker is one of the most talented players on the team and is expected to be a key contributor in 2025. Walker, a junior cornerback, is known for his speed and ball skills, having intercepted several passes in his first two seasons. He has the potential to shut down top receivers in the SEC and is an important piece of the Aggies’ secondary puzzle.

With the rise of high-flying offenses in the SEC, cornerbacks like Walker are critical to slowing down potent passing attacks. His ability to lock down wide receivers will give the defensive line more opportunities to apply pressure and force the quarterback into uncomfortable situations. Walker’s development will be a major factor in Texas A&M’s ability to defend the pass.

3. Linebacker: Jordan Wright
Jordan Wright is another key player who will be crucial to the Aggies’ defense in 2025. Wright, who has already established himself as a leader on the field, brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to the linebacker position. As a veteran, Wright is expected to anchor the middle of the defense and provide stability in both pass coverage and run defense.

Wright’s ability to read the offense and make plays in key situations will be essential for the Aggies. Whether it’s dropping back in coverage, stopping a running back at the line of scrimmage, or blitzing the quarterback, Wright’s versatility and leadership will make him one of the most important players on the team in 2025.

4. Safety: Trey Houston
In the back end of the defense, Trey Houston will be a critical piece of the Aggies’ defensive plans. Houston has made significant strides over the past two seasons and is known for his ability to diagnose plays quickly and deliver hard hits. As a strong safety, he will be expected to be a force against the run while also being able to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

Houston’s ability to be a “versatile” safety, capable of excelling in both run support and pass coverage, will be a major advantage for Texas A&M in 2025. His presence in the secondary will be crucial in allowing the Aggies to defend against the diverse offenses they’ll face in the SEC.

The Role of Transfers and Freshmen

In addition to the returning players, the Aggies have added key transfers and freshmen who are expected to make an immediate impact in 2025. Texas A&M has made it a priority to bring in talent from the transfer portal to address immediate needs on defense, particularly at the defensive line and cornerback positions.

1. Transfer Defensive Tackle: Raymond Smith
Raymond Smith, a graduate transfer defensive tackle, comes to Texas A&M from Florida State, where he made an immediate impact in the Seminoles’ front seven. Smith is known for his ability to clog running lanes and provide pressure up the middle, a skill set that will be invaluable for Texas A&M in 2025. His ability to disrupt the quarterback’s timing and stop the run will make him a key addition to the defensive line.

Smith’s leadership and experience in big games will help stabilize the interior of the Aggies’ defense, allowing other players to flourish around him.

2. Freshman Cornerback: Elijah Phillips
Elijah Phillips, a highly touted freshman cornerback, will also be one to watch in 2025. Phillips, who comes to Texas A&M from Dallas, is known for his elite speed, excellent ball skills, and ability to shut down wide receivers. With a deep secondary unit, Phillips will have the chance to learn from veterans like Jalen Walker while also seeing significant playing time in 2025. His physicality and speed will make him an important piece of the Aggies’ defense as they continue to build depth at cornerback.

Coaching and Scheme Adjustments

A critical element in the Aggies’ revamped defense is the changes made in the coaching staff and the defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, who took over the defensive playcalling duties in 2024, has been instrumental in implementing a new defensive strategy that emphasizes versatility, aggressive pass rushing, and better coverage in the secondary.

Durkin has revamped the defensive front, bringing a more aggressive approach that seeks to confuse quarterbacks with multiple blitz packages and hybrid schemes. In 2025, the Aggies will look to use their size and speed up front to collapse the pocket quickly and force turnovers, all while maintaining solid coverage in the secondary. With a year of experience under his belt, Durkin will have the tools necessary to bring out the best in his players, ensuring that the Aggies’ defense becomes one of the toughest in the SEC.