Texas A&M Stars Climb ESPN Positional Rankings Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Texas A&M's standout talent draws early NFL attention, with multiple players earning top-five positional rankings in ESPNs 2026 draft preview.

As the 2026 NFL Draft inches closer, scouts and fans alike are starting to zero in on the top prospects across the country. ESPN’s Field Yates recently dropped his early Top 25 rankings and positional breakdowns, giving us a clearer look at how talent is stacking up - and Texas A&M made sure its presence was felt.

While only one Aggie cracked the overall Top 25, several others earned high praise in their respective position groups. Let’s break it down.

Cashius Howell: Edge Rusher with First-Round Firepower

Cashius Howell is the headliner for the Aggies, landing at No. 18 on Yates’ overall board. And it’s not hard to see why.

Howell, who transferred from Bowling Green, made a serious impact in College Station over his final two seasons. In 2025, he racked up 11.5 sacks - tied for fourth most in the FBS - and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

That kind of production doesn't happen by accident.

What jumps off the tape with Howell is his explosiveness off the edge. His first step is lightning-quick, and he’s got the kind of bend that gives offensive tackles nightmares.

He’s not just fast - he’s flexible, able to dip and torque his body to flatten the arc and close on the quarterback. That natural pass-rushing ability has made him a staple in first-round mock drafts over the past month.

There is one knock that’s come up in scouting circles: arm length. Some evaluators are questioning whether his reach will limit him against longer, more physical tackles at the next level. But when you’ve got that kind of burst and production, teams looking for immediate help on the edge are going to take a long, hard look.

KC Concepcion: Versatile Playmaker at Wide Receiver

Next up is KC Concepcion, who comes in as the fifth-ranked wide receiver on Yates’ positional board. Concepcion’s 2025 season was a showcase of versatility and playmaking, whether he was lined up outside or in the slot - something he’s done since his days at NC State.

He finished the year with 61 catches, just shy of the 1,000-yard mark, and found the end zone nine times. What’s more impressive?

About half of those yards came after the catch, according to Pro Football Focus. That tells you everything you need to know about his ability to create in space.

He’s not just catching passes - he’s turning them into big plays.

And don’t overlook his special teams value. Concepcion returned two punts for touchdowns and averaged nearly 20 yards per return. That kind of dual-threat ability could push him into first-round territory come April.

Trey Zuhn: Tackle-Turned-Center with Upside

Trey Zuhn might be one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in this draft. He’s listed as the No. 3 center on Yates’ board, but that only tells part of the story. Zuhn was a four-year starter at Texas A&M and spent most of his time anchoring the left tackle spot - and doing it at a high level.

In 2025, he logged 126 snaps at center, showcasing his versatility and football IQ. Across 435 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just 10 pressures and two sacks - rock-solid numbers for someone adjusting to a new position on the fly. His experience on the edge gives him the kind of footwork and hand placement that could translate well inside, especially in today’s NFL where interior pressure is becoming more disruptive than ever.

Teams looking for a plug-and-play interior lineman who brings flexibility and experience will have Zuhn high on their boards.

Chase Bisontis: Road-Grading Guard with SEC Pedigree

Rounding out the group is Chase Bisontis, ranked as the fourth-best guard in the draft. A former four-star recruit and top-100 national prospect, Bisontis arrived in College Station with big expectations - and he’s lived up to them.

He played out of position at tackle as a true freshman, but once he settled in at left guard, his natural ability as a run blocker began to shine. In 2025, he allowed just 12 pressures and played in all 13 games, anchoring one of the top five rushing attacks in the country.

Bisontis brings a physical, downhill style that offensive line coaches are going to love. He’s not just holding the line - he’s moving it.

Final Thoughts

Texas A&M may not have a dozen names in the early Top 25, but the quality of talent coming out of College Station is undeniable. From Howell’s edge-rushing explosiveness to Concepcion’s dynamic playmaking, and from Zuhn’s positional versatility to Bisontis’ trench dominance, the Aggies are sending NFL-ready players to the next level - and they’re doing it across the board.

Come draft day, don’t be surprised if multiple A&M names are called early. This group has the production, the tools, and the tape to make an impact on Sundays.