Important questions about defensive tactics, player development, and overall team performance surface as Texas A&M football looks to 2025.

As the Texas A&M football program gears up for the 2025 season, the focus on their defense is intensifying. The Aggies have built a reputation for producing high-level defenses under head coach Jimbo Fisher, but as with any program, there are always areas that require improvement and questions that must be answered. With major changes expected in personnel, strategy, and recruiting, the 2025 defensive outlook for Texas A&M is full of intrigue.

While the offense often takes the headlines with the addition of new recruits and flashy playmakers, defense remains the backbone of a championship-caliber team. As Texas A&M heads into the 2025 season, five critical questions regarding the defense’s future will have a major impact on how the Aggies compete in the SEC and on the national stage.

1. Who Will Step Up as the Leader of the Defense?

Leadership is essential on any successful defense, and with Texas A&M’s defense undergoing some personnel changes in 2025, the big question is who will emerge as the leader. The Aggies’ defense has featured several standout players in recent years, but with some key players moving on or graduating, the need for a new leader is clear.

Traditionally, this role falls to either a linebacker or a defensive back, as both positions require a strong understanding of the game, high football IQ, and the ability to motivate teammates. Players like linebacker Chris Russell, defensive back Demani Richardson, and edge rusher Fadil Diggs have shown promise, but with several defensive stars no longer with the program, one of these players, or perhaps a new emerging star, will need to elevate their leadership presence.

The leader on the defense is responsible not only for calling the plays and adjustments but also for keeping the energy high and rallying the unit when things get tough. Leadership on defense is especially critical in a conference as competitive as the SEC, where teams often win games with strong defensive performances. If the Aggies can identify a defensive leader in 2025, they will be much better positioned to achieve success in what will be a highly challenging season.

2. Can Texas A&M’s Defensive Line Become a Dominant Force?

The defensive line is often the most important position group in any defense, and it’s crucial for Texas A&M to develop a dominant defensive front if they are to contend with powerhouse programs in the SEC. The Aggies have had some strong individual performances from their defensive linemen, but consistency and depth have sometimes been lacking.

The big question for 2025 is whether or not Texas A&M’s defensive line can become a game-changer. The defensive front is often the first line of defense against powerful rushing attacks, and in the SEC, where several teams prioritize physicality and running the ball, the ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback will be vital.

With players like defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and defensive end Shemar Turner, the Aggies have the talent to compete in the trenches. However, consistency will be the key to their success. Can Jackson and Turner take their games to the next level in 2025? Will younger players step up and provide the necessary depth and pass-rushing ability? These are questions that will determine whether the defensive line becomes a real strength for Texas A&M in 2025.

A dominant defensive line can disrupt offenses, create turnovers, and provide the defense with a huge advantage. If Texas A&M is to make a run at an SEC title, they’ll need their defensive front to step up and dominate in both the run game and pass rush.

3. How Will the Aggies Adapt to New Defensive Schemes?

With changes in personnel and the need to continue evolving to meet the demands of the modern game, another key question for the Aggies defense is how they will adapt to new defensive schemes in 2025. As offenses become increasingly complex, defensive coordinators must constantly innovate to stay one step ahead.

In 2024, Texas A&M showed flashes of brilliance on defense, but they also had moments where they struggled to contain fast-paced offenses or adjust to innovative schemes. Whether it’s facing more spread offenses, dual-threat quarterbacks, or complex passing attacks, the Aggies will need to continue refining their defensive strategies.

Under defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, Texas A&M has already implemented multiple defensive fronts and coverage schemes, but the key moving forward will be whether Durkin can tailor his defensive system to the strengths of the 2025 roster. Will the Aggies embrace more hybrid defensive schemes that take advantage of athletic players and versatile defenders, or will they stick with traditional formations? Moreover, how will the Aggies counter the rising trend of high-tempo offenses in the SEC, where teams like Ole Miss, Alabama, and Missouri have leaned into up-tempo styles to exploit defensive weaknesses?

Incorporating new schemes and adjusting to the shifting landscape of college football is no small task, but Texas A&M’s defensive coaching staff will need to be proactive in making these adjustments to stay competitive in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

4. Will the Aggies’ Secondary Be Able to Compete with Elite SEC Passing Games?

The secondary has long been a strength for Texas A&M, but the Aggies will need to retool their defensive backs in 2025 if they are to compete with the high-powered passing attacks in the SEC. While Texas A&M has produced some standout corners and safeties over the years, they will face some of the most talented quarterbacks and wide receivers in the nation, making the secondary a key focal point of the defense.

The major question here is whether the Aggies can develop the depth and consistency they need in the secondary to shut down top-tier passing games. With elite quarterbacks such as Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe, and others, facing the best of the best in the SEC is never an easy task.

Fortunately, Texas A&M has a talented group of defensive backs, including the experienced Demani Richardson and promising younger players like safety Jordon Thomas. However, the ability to develop depth in the cornerback position will be pivotal for Texas A&M’s secondary. Cornerbacks often have to match up against top wide receivers in one-on-one situations, and with the SEC’s array of elite playmakers, the Aggies will need consistent play at both cornerback and safety to prevent explosive passing plays.

Improving in pass defense will not only improve Texas A&M’s chances in SEC games but will also allow them to better defend against teams who rely on the air attack to win games. If Texas A&M can hold its own against the pass, it will be one of the most formidable defenses in the conference.

5. Can the Aggies’ Defense Make More Big Plays?

One of the hallmarks of any championship-caliber defense is the ability to make big plays—turnovers, sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions—that can swing momentum and provide a spark for the offense. In 2024, Texas A&M’s defense showed promise but struggled at times to generate the game-changing plays that can tip the balance in crucial games.

For the Aggies in 2025, the question is: can they become a defense that consistently creates these game-changing moments? The SEC is a conference full of explosive offenses, and in order to compete, Texas A&M will need to be more aggressive and opportunistic. This means being more disruptive in the backfield, forcing turnovers, and capitalizing on mistakes by the opposing offense.

While the Aggies have strong players who can get to the quarterback and make tackles for loss, they must continue to improve their turnover creation. Sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles are the difference between a good defense and a great one, and Texas A&M will need to find ways to consistently generate these types of plays in 2025.

Conclusion

As Texas A&M looks ahead to the 2025 football season, the defense will be under the microscope. The answers to these five key questions—leadership, defensive line performance, adaptation to new schemes, secondary development, and playmaking ability—will determine the trajectory of the Aggies’ defense and their ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC.

The Aggies have all the pieces in place to have a dominant defense in 2025, but success will depend on how these questions are answered. If the Aggies can continue to develop their talent, innovate their schemes, and stay disciplined, they will be well-positioned to achieve success and make a run at an SEC championship. With the right answers to these questions, Texas A&M football could be poised to return to the elite ranks of college football in 2025.