Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko Provides Key Injury and Development Updates on Defensive Stars Shemar Stewart and Terry Bussey

With fall camp just around the corner and expectations high in College Station, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko addressed the media Tuesday and offered crucial updates on two of the program’s most promising players: junior defensive end Shemar Stewart and true freshman athlete Terry Bussey.

Both players have been the subject of speculation throughout the offseason—Stewart, due to lingering injury concerns from last year, and Bussey, because of his highly anticipated arrival and versatility. Elko’s comments shed light on their health, development, and potential impact on the 2025 season as Texas A&M looks to re-establish itself as a contender in the SEC.

Shemar Stewart “Full-Go” After Injury Rehab: “He Looks Like a Monster”

Elko delivered some of the most encouraging news of the day when asked about Shemar Stewart, the former five-star defensive end who missed time late last season with a lower-body injury.

“He’s full-go,” Elko said. “No limitations right now. He’s moving as well as I’ve seen him move since I got here. He looks like a monster.”

The 6-foot-6, 280-pound junior has flashed elite potential since arriving in College Station as part of the Aggies’ historic 2022 recruiting class. Last season, Stewart posted 34 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in nine games before being sidelined.

His absence was felt as Texas A&M’s defensive front lost its edge in late-season matchups against Ole Miss and LSU. But Elko believes Stewart is on track to deliver the breakout campaign that fans and scouts have been waiting for.

“Shemar’s leadership has also taken a step,” Elko noted. “He’s vocal in the locker room and setting the tone in the weight room. You want guys like that anchoring your defense.”

NFL Buzz Building: “He Has Everything They’re Looking For”

With his size, explosiveness, and motor, Stewart has already drawn interest from NFL scouts. According to several league evaluators, Stewart is a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—if he can stay healthy and dominate consistently.

“He has everything they’re looking for—length, strength, and pass-rush tools,” said one NFC scout. “He just needs a full, clean season to put it all together.”

Elko echoed that sentiment, saying the goal now is consistency and durability.

“We’re not easing him back—we’re building him up,” Elko said. “He wants to be the best defensive lineman in the SEC, and we think he can be.”

Terry Bussey Turning Heads Early: “Electric With the Ball in His Hands”

While Stewart represents proven SEC talent, Terry Bussey represents promise and intrigue.

The five-star athlete from Timpson, Texas, was the jewel of A&M’s 2024 class, choosing the Aggies over LSU, Alabama, and Texas. Now officially on campus and working out with the team, Bussey is already creating buzz among coaches and teammates alike.

“He’s electric with the ball in his hands,” Elko said. “Every time he touches it, something special can happen.”

Bussey played quarterback, receiver, cornerback, and returned kicks in high school—scoring over 80 career touchdowns while also earning All-State honors on defense. Texas A&M listed him as an athlete on signing day, and now it’s clear he’ll begin his career on the offensive side of the ball.

“We’re giving him reps at slot receiver, in motion packages, jet sweeps, and even a little wildcat,” Elko said. “He’s still learning the playbook, but the raw talent is undeniable.”

Bussey’s Versatility Gives Elko Options

In addition to his offensive reps, Bussey is also expected to get special teams work as a returner, where his open-field speed and vision could immediately impact field position.

“He could be a game-changer on special teams right away,” special teams coordinator Eric Russell said. “We’ll see how he handles contact in camp, but he’s fearless.”

While some analysts believed Bussey might ultimately end up at cornerback, Elko isn’t ruling that out long-term—but emphasized the staff wants him comfortable on offense first.

“We’re going to give him every opportunity to help us on offense,” Elko said. “But he’s such a rare athlete that he could help us on both sides if needed. He’s that good.”

The Learning Curve: “We’re Not Rushing Him”

Despite the excitement, Elko stressed that Bussey is still adjusting to the college game, especially after enrolling over the summer and missing spring practice.

“He’s humble, hardworking, and soaking up everything we’re throwing at him,” Elko said. “But we’re not going to rush his development. It’s about putting him in positions to succeed.”

The coaching staff has been cautious about managing expectations for Bussey, but internally, the belief is that he could see meaningful touches early in the season, especially in situational packages.

“He might not be a 70-snaps-a-game guy right away,” one staffer said, “but don’t be surprised if he has some highlight plays before September ends.”

Stewart and Bussey Represent Two Key Pillars

In many ways, Shemar Stewart and Terry Bussey represent opposite ends of the roster spectrum, but they’re both central to what Mike Elko is trying to build in College Station.

Stewart, the veteran leader and physically dominant lineman, is tasked with anchoring a defense that Elko wants to return to top-10 status nationally. His health and production could determine just how dangerous A&M’s front seven will be against the SEC’s best offenses.

Bussey, meanwhile, symbolizes Elko’s long-term vision: recruiting elite, multi-position athletes and developing them into dynamic playmakers.

“We’ve got guys who can win right now, and we’ve got guys who will help us win in the future,” Elko said. “That’s how you build sustainable success.”

A&M’s Defensive Front Poised for Big Year

With Stewart healthy and returning to form, Texas A&M’s defensive line looks stacked heading into fall camp. He’ll be joined by standout linemen Walter Nolen, LT Overton, and DJ Hicks, forming what could be the most physical defensive front in the SEC.

“We’ve got the bodies,” Elko said. “Now it’s about cohesion and execution.”

The Aggies finished 2024 ranked third in the SEC in sacks and fourth in rushing defense, but late-season lapses cost them critical games. With Stewart back, the belief is that A&M will be better equipped to close games and disrupt elite quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe.

Fall Camp Storylines to Watch

As the Aggies head into fall camp in August, here are three things to watch regarding Stewart and Bussey:

1. How much does Stewart practice full-speed? If he maintains a full workload without setbacks, it’ll be a major confidence boost for the defense.

2. Where does Bussey line up most? Slot receiver looks like the early favorite, but don’t rule out some gadget packages that utilize his QB background.

3. Can Bussey earn early touches? If he learns the playbook quickly, Bussey could carve out a Week 1 role on offense and special teams.

Mike Elko didn’t offer bombastic predictions. He didn’t make headlines with promises. But what he did offer was a calm, confident update on two of his most important players—one returning to dominance, the other just beginning his journey.

Shemar Stewart looks poised to become the defensive force everyone expected. Terry Bussey is turning heads, showing glimpses of brilliance. And both, in their own ways, are helping define the future of Texas A&M football under Elko’s watch.

“We’re not where we want to be yet,” Elko said. “But with guys like Shemar and Terry, we’re heading in the right direction.”

Player Spotlights:

Shemar Stewart

• Position: DE

• Class: Junior

• Height/Weight: 6’6”, 280 lbs

• 2024 Stats: 34 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks

• Status: Fully healthy, cleared for camp

Terry Bussey

• Position: ATH (Slot WR/Special Teams)

• Class: Freshman

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 lbs

• High School: Timpson HS (Timpson, TX)

• 2023 Stats: 2,300+ all-purpose yards, 80+ career TDs

• Status: Active in summer workouts, expected to play early