Texas A&M may have another defensive monster ready to emerge, and this one has been hiding in plain sight. Senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks enters the 2026 season as one of the Aggies’ most intriguing breakout candidates after flashing signs last year that his five-star talent is finally becoming consistent production. MORE: Texas A&M Unveils Unique Uniforms for Rivalry Game With Texas A&M rebuilding parts of its defensive front, Hicks has a chance to become the centerpiece of Mike Elko’s defense. And Elko certainly isn’t lowering expectations. “This is DJ Hicks’ time,” Elko said during SEC Media Days. That’s a pretty strong endorsement for a player who arrived in College Station as one of the nation’s premier recruits in the 2023 class. Hicks became a starter in 2024 but still needed time to develop into the disruptive interior force many expected. His progress became much easier to see during Texas A&M’s 2025 run. The powerful defensive tackle finished with a career-best 26 tackles, four sacks and 15 quarterback pressures, giving the Aggies legitimate production from the middle of their defensive line.
DJ Hicks (5) is definitely still putting it altogether but his first step off the line of scrimmage combined with his athleticism, natural hand placement and stack and shed ability make him a strong candidate to be a breakout player for Texas A&M pic.twitter.com/QMI7j5UZjN — Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) August 14, 2026 Now comes the next jump. NFL Draft analyst Anthony Russo recently called Hicks a “strong candidate” to break out in 2026, pointing specifically to his explosive first step and hand placement at the line of scrimmage. Those traits matter because Hicks already possesses the physical profile NFL teams covet. His combination of size, strength and short-area burst gives him the ability to collapse the pocket rather than simply occupy blockers. Texas A&M’s revamped front could make him even more dangerous. Northwestern transfer Anto Saka has generated considerable buzz through the Aggies’ first seven preseason practices, while nose tackle CJ Mims adds another physical presence inside. Behind them, Texas A&M can rotate linebackers Ray Coney, Daymion Sanford and Noah Mikhail. That surrounding talent should make it harder for offenses to consistently send extra protection toward Hicks. More one-on-one opportunities could be exactly what he needs. Hicks has already gone from highly rated recruit to productive SEC starter. If his pass-rush technique catches up with his physical ability, four sacks could look like only the beginning. There’s also an NFL subplot developing. Hicks has already been discussed as a potential second- or third-round prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft. MORE: Bella Carapazza Gives Texas A&M Soccer Another National Name But first comes his final season in College Station. Elko says it’s Hicks’ time. If the preseason buzz is right, SEC offensive linemen may find out exactly what that means very soon.