Texas A&M fans are well-acquainted with just how much their pass defense struggled down the stretch of 2024, with several teams deciding to pick on the Aggies downfield as a major part of their offensive game plan.
While there was not universal success in this strategy, there was definitely far too much success for coach Mike Elko's liking. It was this, in part, that led him to decide that he would be taking the reins of the defense for the 2025 season.
The Aggies haven't exactly played murderer's row so far this year— though they have a great challenge this Saturday when they travel to South Bend to take on Notre Dame— but so far, the pass defense has looked like it is improved. In particular, one Aggie player who was much-maligned down the stretch has shown a lot of progress from where he was in the previous season.
Texas A&M football's Dezz Ricks leads nation in snaps played without reception allowed
Pro Football Focus posted the following statistic about the Aggies' Dezz Ricks just yesterday:
Most Coverage Snaps Played Without Allowing A Catch:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 10, 2025
🔒 Dezz Ricks, Texas A&M: 54@AggieFootball pic.twitter.com/2sI2IxPWdI
In modern college football, a lockdown cornerback is one of the most important things a team can have. The potential for that kind of player is what the Aggies were hoping for when they brought in the former five-star Alabama transfer in the transfer portal two years ago, and it looks like he may be finally growing into that potential.
2024 should technically have been Ricks's true freshman year, as he reclassified up before redshirting at Alabama. The experiences of the previous year appear to have served him well, as he is playing at a top-shelf level so far this year.
He'll have a challenge in the upcoming game, as will the entire A&M team, against a quite-confident Notre Dame receiver unit. This will be a test of will and just how improved this A&M team actually is, but I think Ricks is out on a mission this year to prove that he's a player that you should underestimate only to your own peril. He's turning into a real weapon for the Aggies on defense, and he'll be key in this matchup with Notre Dame.