Will Lee III: Texas A&M’s Steady Cornerback Heads to the NFL After Anchoring Aggies’ Secondary
In a 2025 season where Texas A&M’s defense took a noticeable step forward, one player stood out as a steadying force from start to finish: cornerback Will Lee III. While the Aggies entered the year with questions swirling around their secondary-especially after finishing 13th in the SEC in pass defense the previous season-there was never much doubt about who would lead the group.
Lee didn’t just meet expectations. He helped redefine the identity of A&M’s back end.
After earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2024, Lee returned in 2025 and once again delivered. His presence helped the Aggies climb all the way to third in the SEC in pass defense, shaving over 55 yards per game off their average from the year before. That kind of improvement doesn’t happen without a lockdown corner who can take away one side of the field-and Lee was exactly that.
He started all 13 games this past season, finishing with 50 tackles, eight pass breakups, and a sack. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out at 66.5 overall, with a 68.5 grade in coverage.
While his run defense grade (52.6) suggests some room for growth, there’s no denying his impact in the passing game. Teams simply didn’t test him often-opponents threw his way only 59 times all year compared to 68 targets against his counterpart, Dezz Ricks.
Lee’s consistency, leadership, and toughness made him a cornerstone of A&M’s defense. Now, he’s ready to bring that same edge to the next level.
From JUCO to the SEC: The Journey of Will Lee III
At 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds, Lee has the prototypical frame NFL teams look for in a boundary corner-tall, rangy, and long-limbed. But his path to the league wasn’t the typical five-star-to-first-round pipeline.
Coming out of Kirkwood High School in St. Louis, Missouri, Lee didn’t have a star rating.
He started his college career at Iowa Western Community College, where he began to turn heads. That earned him a shot at Kansas State in 2023, where he appeared in 11 games and posted 42 tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions.
After that breakout campaign, Lee transferred to Texas A&M as a four-star JUCO prospect. He made an immediate impact in 2024, again tallying 42 tackles and two interceptions while earning All-SEC honors. But it was in 2025 that he truly cemented himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Scouting the Skill Set
Lee brings plenty to the table. He’s a physical, high-motor defender who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the run game.
He’s at his best in man coverage, where his length and fluidity allow him to stay in-phase with receivers and contest throws at the catch point. He’s also known as a vocal leader and high-character presence in the locker room-traits that matter more than ever in today’s NFL.
That said, there are areas for improvement. His zone coverage still needs refinement-he can get caught peeking into the backfield or drifting out of position. And while he’s been a solid cover man, he hasn’t produced a ton of turnovers, finishing his college career with just four interceptions over three seasons.
Still, the tools are there. And in a league that values culture fits and physical traits, Lee checks a lot of boxes.
Draft Outlook
Lee isn’t projected to be an early-round pick, but he’s firmly in the Day 2 or early Day 3 conversation. CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 106 overall prospect and the No. 13 cornerback in the class. One mock draft has him going 86th overall to the Los Angeles Chargers-a team that could use a smart, physical corner with upside.
Wherever he lands, Lee is the kind of player who could stick in the league for a long time. He may not have the flashiest résumé, but he brings toughness, consistency, and a team-first mentality-traits that often translate well at the next level.
Career Snapshot
2023 (Kansas State):
- Games: 11
- Tackles: 42
- Pass Breakups: 6
- Interceptions: 2
- Tackles for Loss: 1.5
2024 (Texas A&M):
- Games: 12
- Tackles: 42
- Pass Breakups: 10
- Interceptions: 2
- Tackles for Loss: 0.5
2025 (Texas A&M):
- Games: 13
- Tackles: 50
- Pass Breakups: 8
- Sack: 1
- Tackles for Loss: 2
Will Lee III may not have entered college football with much fanfare, but he leaves it as a proven SEC starter with a clear NFL future. He’s battled his way up from JUCO to the Power Five, and now he’s knocking on the door of the pros-bringing with him the kind of grit and growth that scouts love to see.