COLLEGE STATION — In the midst of the big Texas A&M football win over LSU at least one interaction from the game went viral.
A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell, fresh off his first sack of the game, was caught on the ABC broadcast getting animated with the offensive lineman just beaten on the previous play. Howell’s passion and fire were praised by analysts and fans alike. But it wasn’t just outsiders who saw the video — his defensive coordinator saw it too.
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“I absolutely saw it. I absolutely loved it,” defensive coordinator Jay Bateman said Monday. “He wasn’t losing his mind. This is a competitive environment, and you have to play with a competitive edge. He plays with it.”
That edge was there against LSU’s Carius Crune in the 45-29 Aggies victory over LSU and previously, too, in Week 7 with a key, late-game sack against Florida.
Here’s more on the senior who has been key in the third-ranked Aggies’ 8-0 start:
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) is sacked by Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) in the first half Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La.
Gerald Herbert/Associated Press
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Cashius Howell brings ‘certain attitude’ Aggies
Following Week 9’s two-sack performance, Howell was named the SEC’s defensive lineman of the week for the third time this season.
The former three-star is third in the nation and currently leads the SEC with 9½ sacks. He’s matched his career-high, which he set in 2023 with Bowling Green.
The Kansas City, Mo., native stepped into a bigger role this season after the Aggies had three players at the position drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Howell isn’t, a guy known for a rah-rah style of leadership. He is more of a lead-by-doing player, serving as an example for his position group.
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“You have to play with a certain attitude and edge, and I think Cashius has it,” Bateman said.
Whatever Howell has, it’s propelled him into a top-50 NFL draft prospect for 2026, per ESPN, CBS and Pro Football Focus. Howell has a sack in all but one conference game this season, with seven total over five games.
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Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell walks the field during evening practice at the Coolidge Practice Fields on Thursday, July 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Weightroom gains lead to massive impact for Howell
Howell played 485 snaps last season, recording four sacks and 8½ tackles for loss. In eight games of 2025, Howell has already played 365 snaps, more than doubling his sack total from the previous season and tying a career high with 10½ tackles for loss.
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With a noticeably toned frame at 248 pounds, Howell’s offseason work with strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt has prepared him for what looks like a career year. Standing at 6-foot-2, he’s 7 pounds lighter than he was last season, despite increasing his muscle.
A more concerted offseason effort in the weight room, led by Moffitt — at national champion as LSU’s former strength coach — has apparently paid off.
According to A&M’s strength and conditioning team, per Saturday’s game broadcast, Howell bumped up his top speed by 17%, increased his vertical jump by 7 inches, raised his bench press max from 300 to 350 pounds and improved his squat from 435 to 500 pounds.
Minnesota quarterback Cole Kramer (12) looks to throw the ball downfield as Bowling Green lineman Cashius Howell closes in during the first half of the Quick Lane Bowl on Dec. 26, 2023 at Ford Field in Detroit.
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
“He’s reaping the rewards right now… I love going out to practice with that kid every day,” Bateman said.
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According to Pro Football Focus, Howell has a team-high 84.5 defensive grade (minimum 100 snaps), with an impressive 90.9 pass rush grade.
It’s a huge rise for a young man recruited by mostly FCS programs out of Rockhurst High School near the Kansas-Missouri border. If Howell’s rise continues, he could be jawing with NFL offensive linemen on Sundays.
“I love that kid,” Bateman said. “He’s so unselfish. He practices so hard. He’s really smart.”
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Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com.