Texas A&M’s football program has a long tradition of being a force in college sports. The 2025 season? No exception.
Four Aggies—linebacker Taurean York, wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, and defensive end Cashius Howell—landed among Pro Football Focus’s top 101 college football players. These guys didn’t just put up numbers; they powered their team to real success.
Let’s take a closer look at what set each of them apart.
Taurean York: The Defensive Leader
Taurean York made his mark on Texas A&M’s defense the moment he arrived as a true freshman in 2023. By his junior year, he was third-team All-SEC and led the Aggies with 72 tackles.
He racked up seven tackles for loss, a sack, five quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and even forced a fumble. York’s coverage? Outstanding—a 90.8 PFF grade, second among Power Four linebackers.
He’s decided to skip his final year of eligibility and head for the 2026 NFL Draft. Hard to blame him—he’s already proven he’s one of the nation’s best at his position.
York’s Impact on the Field
York’s leadership was huge for the Aggies. He finished third among all linebackers nationwide in PFF wins above average.
His knack for making big plays, especially in coverage and tackling, made life tough for opposing offenses. Now, with his eyes on the NFL, his college chapter closes on a high note.
Mario Craver: The Emerging Star
Mario Craver transferred in from Mississippi State and wasted no time making noise in the Aggies’ receiving corps. First season? Third-team All-SEC, 917 yards on 59 catches, and four touchdowns.
He chipped in 81 yards and a score on 11 runs, too. Craver’s 82.6 PFF receiving grade was tops in the SEC, and his 3.26 yards per route run was third among Power Four receivers.
Craver’s Offensive Contributions
Craver brought a real spark to the offense with his ability to stretch the field. Consistency and big-play ability—he’s got both.
With two years of eligibility left, there’s a sense he’s just getting started. The future? Looks pretty bright for this guy.
KC Concepcion: The Versatile Playmaker
KC Concepcion spent just one season with the Aggies, but wow, what a season. The NC State transfer picked up consensus All-American honors, the Paul Hornung Award, and first-team All-SEC nods as a receiver, all-purpose player, and punt returner.
He caught 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, added 75 yards and a score on 10 runs, and was electric as a punt returner—18.2 yards per return, two touchdowns. He really did it all.
Concepcion’s All-Around Excellence
Concepcion’s versatility was on full display. He led all SEC receivers in catches that moved the chains or scored, with 48.
His 84.2 return grade was second among Power Four players. He’s NFL-bound now, likely a first-round pick, and leaves behind a legacy that’s tough to match.
Cashius Howell: The Dominant Pass-Rusher
Cashius Howell finished his college career with a bang. He became just the 11th Aggie ever to earn unanimous All-American honors, plus SEC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-SEC.
Howell put up 31 tackles, 14 for loss, 11.5 sacks, 41 pressures, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade ranked 20th among all edge defenders.
Howell’s Defensive Dominance
Howell was a nightmare for quarterbacks, tying for fifth in the nation with 12 sacks. His relentless pursuit and ability to disrupt plays were huge for the Aggies’ defense.
He’s projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick, and after a season like that, it’s easy to see why.
Conclusion
The 2025 season really showed off just how much talent Texas A&M had on the field. Taurean York, Mario Craver, KC Concepcion, and Cashius Howell all stood out in a big way.
Getting named among the top 101 college football players by Pro Football Focus? That’s no small thing. These guys put in the work, and it paid off.
Honestly, it’s hard not to wonder how far they’ll go next. Their time at Texas A&M definitely left a mark, and you get the feeling folks will be talking about them for a while.
For more details on their achievements, visit the original article on 247Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
