Texas A&M sophomore Edge has gotten 'a lot faster' this offseason

Texas A&M's 2026 defensive line will feature a host of newcomers from the transfer portal and 2026 signing class, while two former blue-chip commits in the 2025 recruiting class are expected to make significant jumps this season, and through eight spring practices, sophomore edge Marco Jones and sophomore DL Landon Rink are the names to watch. Jones, who appeared in eight games last season, finished with 10 tackles and 2. 5 sacks, and, despite playing behind unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell, looked like one of the purest pass rushers on the roster, as his 6'5" and nearly 260-pound frame should result in a career year as a potential starter.

A dual-sport athlete, Jones was expected to also play for the Texas A&M baseball team, but after Saturday's practice, the California native stated that football will continue to be his focus, despite his love for the American pastime, because of his bright future as a potential first-round NFL selection. After being named one of 11 players selected to the Texas A&M leadership council for the 2026 season, Jones is completely focused on getting his body ready, already adding a reported seven to ten pounds this offseason, while gaining speed, knowing that he will continue to play the Jack position as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end in Mike Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill's defense. Texas A&M's vast history of developing, and sending defensive linemen to the NFL has only gotten better under Elko and his staff, and while Myles Garrett and Von Miller remain the standards, Marco Jones's trajectory is on the same path as Cashius Howell, who led the country in sacks and is considerd a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after two seasons with the program.

Texas A&M defensive end Marco Jones said he’s gained 7-10 pounds this offseason and has gotten a lot faster. He said he’s still playing Jack despite the added weight but has the versatility to play big end. pic.

twitter. com/V2coHerFuZ — Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) April 4, 2026 Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty .