Texas A&M’s 2025 season will continue into the College Football Playoff, as the Aggies will find out who they’ll host in the first round of the CFP less than two weeks from now. With two full weeks before the playoffs begin, two of the program’s top players are now predicted to land in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to ESPN draft guru Matt Miller.
This offseason, senior edge Cashius Howell took the next step in his development as the team’s top pass rusher. Working with S&C coach Tommy Moffitt has paid off, adding substantial muscle to his frame. At the same time, his elite athleticism and 6’4″ stature were never an issue, and only added to the high expectations those of us in the media bestowed upon him.
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Through 12 regular-season games, Howell finished as the team and SEC leader in sacks (11.5) along with 30-plus pressures, and will be one of the most important players heading into the postseason. Currently positioned as the 50th-ranked prospect in Matt Miller’s rankings, Howell’s 30-inch arms will likely keep him out of the first round.
The SEC leader in sacks this season (11.5), Howell has risen from a Day 3 prospect with a great motor and limited upside to a potential starter for 3-4 defenses. His size won’t endear him to every team, but his explosive bend around the edge plays well in a standup role where his natural leverage and speed can win. Shorter arms and a smaller frame might lead to a later draft-day result, but Howell can flat-out play.
On the other side, transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion has been one of the offense’s MVPs throughout the season, racking up a team and career high of 57 receptions. 886 yards and nine touchdowns, and possesses all the traits to become a future All-Pro as a wide receiver and return specialist after leading the Aggies in punt return yards and two touchdowns. At No. 38, the North Carolina native looks like an absolute steal for some team in the second round.
No matter where he has played (he started at NC State before transferring), Concepcion has produced. He has 181 catches for 2,185 yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons and is a dangerous punt returner (two touchdowns this season). His size will typecast him as a slot receiver, but Concepcion has Tank Dell qualities, such as elite quickness and top-end burst. He could be a big contributor immediately in an offense that values yards after the catch on underneath routes.
If Texas A&M has any chance of making it to the quarterfinals of the CFP, both players will need to play at a high level before eventually departing for the NFL.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Two Texas A&M stars ranked as top 50 2026 NFL Draft prospects