Six Texas A&M players make the 2025 Pre Season All SEC team

In a powerful display of talent and recognition, six Texas A&M players have been named to the 2025 Preseason All-SEC team, marking a significant achievement for both the players and the program as a whole. The Texas A&M Aggies, under the leadership of head coach Jimbo Fisher, have emerged as a force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the recognition of these six players underscores the growth and competitiveness of the program heading into the 2025 season.
This marks a major milestone for the Aggies, who are continuing to build a championship-caliber roster with an eye toward the top of the SEC standings. With key returning players and emerging stars, Texas A&M is positioning itself as one of the most dangerous teams in college football. The inclusion of these six Aggies on the Preseason All-SEC team is not only a testament to their individual excellence but also an indication of the rising profile of Texas A&M within the conference.
Let’s take a look at the six players who have earned this prestigious recognition and the significant impact they’ll have on Texas A&M’s 2025 campaign.
**1. Quarterback: Haynes King
Quarterback Haynes King was one of the most exciting prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle, and after a solid year under center in 2024, he is now one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC heading into 2025. His strong performance and leadership have earned him a place on the Preseason All-SEC team, and it’s easy to see why.
King possesses a dynamic skill set that makes him a dual-threat quarterback capable of changing the course of a game both through the air and on the ground. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, King has the prototypical size for an SEC quarterback, but it’s his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses that make him stand out.
In 2024, King threw for over 3,000 yards, with 28 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with his deep ball accuracy, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But it’s King’s ability to take command of the offense, lead comebacks, and stay calm under pressure that has really made him stand out.
Heading into 2025, King is expected to continue his upward trajectory as a leader for the Aggies and is being counted on to guide them to the top of the SEC. His inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC team is a clear recognition of his talent and his potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
**2. Running Back: Devon Achane
Devon Achane is one of the most electrifying running backs in college football, and his presence on the Preseason All-SEC team comes as no surprise to anyone who has watched him play. Achane’s speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field are what make him one of the top backs in the country, and he will be the focal point of Texas A&M’s offense in 2025.
In 2024, Achane rushed for over 1,500 yards, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. He also added 18 touchdowns, proving his ability to score from anywhere on the field. But it’s not just his running ability that makes him special—Achane is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield, catching over 40 passes for 400 yards and another 5 touchdowns.
Achane is the type of running back who can take over a game in the blink of an eye, whether it’s with a 50-yard touchdown run or a dazzling spin move to evade tacklers. His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in tight spaces makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the SEC, and he’ll be a key weapon for Texas A&M as they push for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
**3. Offensive Tackle: Javonne Shepherd
The offensive line is one of the most important units for any college football team, and Javonne Shepherd is one of the best in the SEC. Shepherd, who stands at 6’6″ and weighs 320 pounds, has been a rock on the Aggies’ offensive line and has earned a spot on the Preseason All-SEC team for his dominant play.
In 2024, Shepherd was a key part of an offensive line that helped Texas A&M’s offense rank among the top 25 in the nation in rushing yards per game. He was one of the best pass blockers in the SEC, allowing just 2 sacks on the season and creating a clean pocket for quarterback Haynes King to make plays. His ability to protect the blind side, as well as open up running lanes for Devon Achane, makes him one of the most complete offensive linemen in the conference.
Shepherd is known for his powerful hands, quick feet, and ability to win in the trenches. His leadership on the offensive line will be crucial as the Aggies look to continue building an offensive unit capable of competing with the best teams in the SEC. With his size, strength, and technique, Shepherd will play a key role in ensuring Texas A&M’s offense remains one of the most balanced in the conference.
**4. Defensive Tackle: McKinnley Jackson
On the other side of the ball, McKinnley Jackson has established himself as one of the premier defensive tackles in the SEC. At 6’3″ and 310 pounds, Jackson combines size, strength, and explosiveness to dominate opposing offensive lines. He is a disruptive force both in the run game and as a pass rusher, and his presence on the defensive line is one of the key reasons why Texas A&M’s defense has been so effective in recent years.
Jackson’s ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket has made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike. In 2024, Jackson recorded 12 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, while also being a force in both the pass and run defense. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays before they develop is a huge asset to the Aggies’ defensive scheme.
As Texas A&M looks to build a championship-caliber defense, Jackson will be at the center of their efforts. His ability to dominate in the trenches and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks makes him one of the top interior defensive linemen in the SEC and one of the most important players on the Aggies’ defense.
**5. Linebacker: Antonio Johnson
At linebacker, Antonio Johnson is one of the most versatile players in the SEC, and his inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC team is well deserved. Johnson, who stands at 6’3″ and 240 pounds, is a powerful tackler with the speed and agility to cover ground in both the run game and pass coverage. He is known for his ability to read plays quickly, stay disciplined in his assignments, and make critical tackles when needed most.
Johnson had an outstanding 2024 season, recording 80 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. His ability to excel in multiple facets of the game—whether it’s stopping the run, rushing the passer, or defending against the pass—has made him one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the SEC. Johnson’s leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial for Texas A&M’s defense in 2025 as they aim to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
In addition to his physical abilities, Johnson’s football IQ and work ethic have made him a leader on and off the field. He has the instincts to anticipate plays before they unfold, and his motor never stops running. Johnson’s versatility allows him to be deployed in various roles, and his presence on the field makes the Aggies’ defense one of the most dangerous in the country.
**6. Cornerback: Jaylon Jones
Finally, Jaylon Jones rounds out the Aggies’ Preseason All-SEC selections as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference. Jones has been one of the most consistent performers in the Texas A&M secondary, and his ability to lock down wide receivers has earned him a spot among the top defensive backs in the SEC.
At 6’0″ and 195 pounds, Jones has the size and speed to compete with some of the most dynamic wide receivers in the country. His ability to cover both short and deep routes, combined with his ball skills and physicality, makes him a true lockdown corner. In 2024, Jones recorded 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups, proving that he is not only capable of preventing completions but also of making plays that can change the course of a game.
Jones’ inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC team is a reflection of his ability to shut down top-tier receivers, disrupt the passing game, and play physical, smart football. As Texas A&M’s defense continues to grow, Jones will be an integral part of their efforts to dominate in the SEC.
With six players earning spots on the 2025 Preseason All-SEC team, Texas A&M has clearly positioned itself as a contender in the Southeastern Conference. From Haynes King at quarterback to Jaylon Jones in the secondary, the Aggies have a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and these players will be crucial in helping Texas A&M reach its goals in the 2025 season.
As the SEC continues to be one of the toughest conferences in college football, having a group of elite players like King, Achane, Shepherd, Jackson, Johnson, and Jones makes the Aggies one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With the leadership of Jimbo Fisher and these standout players leading the way,
Texas A&M is poised to compete for championships in 2025 and beyond.