Texas A&M defensive lineman ranked in USA TODAY College Wire Top 50 players in 2025
The junior from Kansas City, Missouri, recorded 40 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble in 2024. Howell's string of incredible performances, standing by the side of future National League Football players like Shemar Turner, Nic Scourton, and Shemar Stewart, instantly made him one of the most important players to retain in the offseason for head coach Mike Elko's Aggie defense.
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Here is what College Sports Wire's managing editor and lead writer, Tyler Nettuno analyzed about Howell's game in the official release on Thursday:
"Howell has good size for an edge player, and it allowed him to thrive in the JACK role at Texas A&M last season. He finished second on the team in sacks while sharing the field with a pair of future NFL edge rushers, and he showed off his versatility in pass coverage with seven passes defended and his lone interception. He should become one of the SEC's premier pass-rushing threats in 2025."
Before he arrived in Aggieland, Howell was an anchor for the Bowling Green defensive line from 2021 to 2023. He recorded 56 total tackles (27 solo tackles), 13.0 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in 30 appearances for the Falcons. Howell also earned Third Team All-MAC honors in 2023 for leading the league with 9.5 sacks, which was tied for 16th nationally.
Following his stint with the Falcons, he transferred to Texas A&M and immediately made his presence felt on the gridiron in Bryan-College Station, Texas.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound wrecking ball wreaked havoc and caused nightmares for opposing offensive lines last season. Now, with a plethora of talented former Aggies departing, Howell will be called upon to help lead this defensive unit heading into its second year under Elko.
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Not only will his contributions be integral to Texas A&M's success, but his as well. Among the breakdown of what he brings to the table this season, Nettuno also discussed his prospects and where Howell could end up hearing his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Howell enters the season drawing largely mid-round (late Day 2 or early Day 3) draft interest heading into the season, but he has the opportunity to boost his stock quite a bit as he enters the spotlight this fall. If Howell can show he's more than just a threat off the edge on passing downs, he has the chance to sneak into the second or even possibly first round."
Time will tell if Howell can propel himself to becoming a first-round draft pick next year. For now, he will need to focus on honing his craft and preparing to lead the Aggies through the challenges of the SEC.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M DL Cashius Howell makes USA TODAY College Wire Top 50 list
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