Texas A&M's defense has been above average at times, giving the Aggie offense plenty of chances to win several games this season, but the pass rush has been borderline atrocious, especially after finishing the 2025 season ranked fourth nationally with 43 sacks, yet producing just seven through eight games this year.
After handing over his defensive play-calling duties to first-year defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill, the secondary has shown some improvement in coverage, but the pass rush, despite more early blitzes, has yet to make a real impact, even after facing Alabama's offensive line, which allows an average of three sacks per game.
This offseason, in an effort to find star edge rusher Cashius Howell's replacement, third-year coach Mike
Elko spent the necessary funds to bring in Northwestern transfer defensive end Anto Saka, who was, and still is, widely considered a potential first- or second-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, but has not put up the numbers through eight games.
Saka has recorded 10 tackles, one sack, and nine pressures this season, which was not expected after watching the Baltimore native finish the 2025 season with 30 pressures and four sacks, but during Monday's press conference, Mike Elko revealed that Saka has been dealing with injury issues after playing just seven defensive snaps during the Aggies' 31-20 road loss to Alabama.
This makes sense, especially after watching the Northwestern transfer look less explosive over the last two weeks, meaning the bye week came at the right time and could help the senior pass rusher return to his NFL-level form.
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said injuries have held Anto Saka back “a lot” this season. The Northwestern DE transfer has recorded just 0.5 sacks and played only seven defensive snaps at Alabama after being a game-time decision. pic.twitter.com/7rcQy5gyCY
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) November 2, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko reveals Texas A&M transfer's injury issues
