Texas A&M's defensive line for 2026 is gearing up with some fresh faces from the transfer portal. New arrivals, CJ Sims from North Carolina and Angelo McCullum from Illinois, join senior DJ Hicks to fill the void left by NFL-bound veterans Albert Regis and Tyler Odyedim. On paper, this new lineup looks like a solid upgrade in run defense, thanks to their added size and experience.
This season is pivotal for DJ Hicks. After two years as a starter, he's poised to step up as a locker room leader and enhance his skills as an interior pass rusher.
With Sims, McCullum, and senior T.J. Searcy alongside him, new defensive line coach Elijah Robinson has a promising group to mold.
According to Mike Craven of Dave Campbell's Texas Football, two Aggie linemen are already making waves in his Texas-based DL rankings.
CJ Sims lands at No. 6 on Craven's list. Known for his versatility, Sims made a mark last season with 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.
The 300-pound powerhouse from North Carolina is set to fill the shoes of nose tackle Albert Regis. Sims, who started at East Carolina, was a standout for a Tar Heels defense that improved under Bill Belichick's guidance.
He's not just a space-eater; Sims is a disruptive force who frees up linebackers and racks up tackles.
Expected to replace Regis, Sims might also shine as a pass rusher. Craven praises his relentless motor and ability to impact every play. DJ Hicks, ranked No. 10, needs to find more consistency, particularly against the run.
Hicks, a former five-star recruit, expanded his role in the Aggies' defensive tackle rotation last year. He had standout moments, like his two tackles for loss in the victory over Notre Dame and a season-high tackle performance against Miami.
Hicks wrapped up the season with 26 tackles and a career-high three sacks, including four tackles in the CFP first-round loss to Miami. His late-season surge was promising, and with another offseason under S&C coach Tommy Moffitt, Hicks is expected to elevate his game even further.