The 2025 Texas A&M football team didn’t just flash talent - it delivered it in waves. And now, four of its standout players are getting national recognition, landing spots in Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players in college football rankings. Linebacker Taurean York (No. 62), wide receivers Mario Craver (No. 67) and KC Concepcion (No. 76), and defensive end Cashius Howell (No. 82) all earned their place on the list - and each for good reason.
Let’s break down what made this quartet so special in 2025 - and why their names are quickly becoming staples in NFL Draft conversations.
Taurean York: The Heart of the Aggie Defense
From the moment he stepped on campus in 2023, Taurean York took command of the Texas A&M defense. By his junior year, he wasn’t just leading - he was dominating. York topped the Aggies in tackles with 72, while stuffing the stat sheet with seven tackles for loss, a sack, five QB hurries, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
But it wasn’t just the box score that told the story. According to PFF, York ranked third among all linebackers in the country in Wins Above Average and posted a 90.8 coverage grade - second-best among Power Four linebackers. That’s elite territory, especially for a player often tasked with both run-stopping and pass coverage responsibilities in the heart of the SEC.
After a season like that, York made the call to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, opting to forgo his final year of eligibility. It’s a move that feels less like a gamble and more like a natural next step for a player who already looks ready for Sundays.
Mario Craver: A Transfer Who Turned Heads
When Mario Craver transferred from Mississippi State to Texas A&M last January, he brought potential. By season’s end, he brought production - and plenty of it.
Craver hauled in 59 catches for 917 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 81 rushing yards and another score on the ground. He earned third-team All-SEC honors and ranked 38th nationally in receiving yards - a clear sign that his impact went far beyond just being a reliable target.
PFF backed it up with the numbers: Craver’s 82.6 receiving grade tied for the best in the SEC, and his 3.26 yards per route run ranked third among all Power Four wideouts. That’s not just good - that’s "game-changer" good.
And with two seasons of eligibility left, Craver’s only getting started. He enters 2026 as one of the most dangerous receivers in the country - a polished route-runner with explosive upside.
KC Concepcion: Versatility in Its Purest Form
If you’re looking for a definition of a do-it-all player, KC Concepcion’s 2025 season is your blueprint.
The NC State transfer made the most of his one year in College Station, racking up 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 75 rushing yards and a score on the ground. But that was just the beginning. As a punt returner, Concepcion averaged a staggering 18.2 yards per return and took two to the house.
That kind of versatility earned him the Paul Hornung Award - given to the nation’s most versatile player - along with first-team All-SEC honors at three different roles: receiver, all-purpose player, and punt returner. He also earned consensus All-American recognition, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic threats in college football.
PFF highlighted just how impactful he was: Concepcion led all SEC receivers in first-down or touchdown receptions with 48, and his 84.2 return grade was second-best among Power Four players. He’s now heading to the NFL Draft, and don’t be surprised if he hears his name called early. He’s that kind of difference-maker.
Cashius Howell: A Relentless Force Off the Edge
Cashius Howell didn’t just have a good season - he had one for the record books. In his final year of eligibility, Howell became just the 11th player in Texas A&M history to earn unanimous All-American honors. He also took home SEC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-SEC recognition.
The numbers speak for themselves: 31 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 41 quarterback pressures, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Howell was a nightmare for opposing offenses, consistently collapsing pockets and disrupting plays before they could develop.
PFF gave him a 90.3 pass-rush grade - 20th among all edge defenders - and credited him with 12 sacks, tied for fifth-most in the nation. That level of production, paired with his athletic profile, has him firmly in the first-round conversation for the 2026 NFL Draft.
A&M’s Core Four Delivered
When you look at York, Craver, Concepcion, and Howell, you’re not just seeing individual standouts - you’re seeing the foundation of what made Texas A&M such a tough out in 2025. Each brought a unique skill set, but together, they elevated the program’s ceiling on both sides of the ball.
And now, with three of the four headed to the NFL and one returning as a top-tier weapon, the legacy of this group is already cemented. They didn’t just make plays - they made their mark.