March 13, 2026, 7:03 a.m. CT

Texas A&M’s 2026 defensive line will rely on new additions from the transfer portal, as former North Carolina DL CJ Sims and Illinois transfer DL Angelo McCullum join senior DJ Hicks in the interior D-line, having to replace veterans Albert Regis and Tyler Odyedim, who both declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. On paper, this group looks improved in run defense, thanks to the added size and experience.

This is a big year for DJ Hicks, who, after two starting seasons, looks to become a leader in the locker room and reach his potential as an interior pass rusher. Combined with Sims, McCullum, and senior DL T.J. Searcy, new defensive line coach Elijah Robinson will have plenty to work with this fall, and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football writer Mike Craven, who has continued to reveal his postion rankings for the top college players in Texas, is very high on two Aggie defensive linemen.

Within his recent Top 10 Texas-based DL rankings, CJ Sims came in at No. 6, as the former Tarheel is considered one of the more versatile D-linemen, and recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks during the 2025 season.

The 300-pound transfer from North Carolina should help the Wrecking Crew replace nose tackle Albert Regis. Mims, who began his career at East Carolina, was one of the bright spots for a Tar Heels defense that improved as the season went on under Bil Belichick. Mims is a disruptive force in the middle who can occupy blockers and free up linebackers. He recorded more tackles in 2025 than any other player on the list, however, so he’s not simply a space-eater.  

Mims is expected to replace Albert Regis at the nose spot and could be more impactful as a pass rusher. As Craven noted, Mims is much more than a space-eater and plays with a high motor on every play. At No. 10, DJ Hicks, as I stated above, needs to play with more consistency, especially against the run.

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The only player on this list with more tackles for loss last season than Hicks is Holmes, who ranks first. Hicks is a former five-star recruit who played a larger role in the defensive tackle rotation for the Aggies in his third year on campus, starting only twice before 2025. His upside was on display early in the season at Notre Dame when he recorded a season-high two tackles for loss in the win over Notre Dame. He tied a season-high for tackles in a game against Miami. 

Hicks finished the season with 26 tackles and a career high 3 sacks, including four tackles against Miami during the Aggies’ first round loss to Miami in the first round of the CFP. This late-season performance was encouraging, and with another offseason of working with S&C coach Tommy Moffitt, the former five-star prospect is expected to take another big step.

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