WILL LINEBACKER/EDGE
Returning players
NONE
2025 players not returning
Zion Andreasen (Transferred to Weber State University)
John Gayer (Transferred to Robert Morris University)
William Holmes (Transferred to University of Illinois)
CJ Nesmith (Transferred to Delaware State University)
2026 post-spring ball attrition
None
2025 total production lost
14 games
7 starts
51 tackles
6.5 tackles-for-loss
2.0 sacks
6 quarterback hurries
1 fumble recovery
2025 total production returning
NONE
2025 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college)
43 games
36 starts
134 tackles
24.0 tackles-for-loss
13.5 sacks
3 quarterback hurries
5 pass breakups
3 forced fumbles
2 fumble recoveries
New faces in 2026
BJ Diakite 6’4″ 250 (3*) – University of North Alabama – (2 years to play 2)
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 5 tackles and redshirted at University of North Alabama
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 4 tackles
2023 (So.) Stats: 20 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 pass breakup
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 pass breakup at Vanderbilt University
Offers from: Alabama A&M, New Mexico
Original offers from: Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas St, Austin Peay, East Carolina, Georgia Tech, South Alabama, Vanderbilt
Primary recruiter: Nick Howell
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrfpmEuxhlmv1fBSVO8T3C-rOw0Urr9q5
Brody Flores 6’2″ 200 (3*) – Grandview HS, CO
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 85 tackles, 26.0 tackles-for-loss, 12.0 sacks, 3 pass breakups; 6 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 9 yards.
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 74 tackles, 18.0 tackles-for-loss, 9.0 sacks, 2 pass breakups
2023 (So.) Stats: 8 tackles, 2 pass breakups
Offers from: Fresno St, Washington St
Primary recruiter: Jan Jorgensen
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9940222/Brody-Flores
Jeremiah Holmes 6’3″ 235 (3*) – The Citadel – (2 years to play 2)
2025 (Jr.) Stats: 36 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
2024 (So.) Stats: 16 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 2 INTs, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
2023 (Fr.) Stats: 3 tackles
Offers from: Georgia Southern, Kennesaw St, Memphis, Ohio, Tulane, Western Kentucky
Original offers from: Catawba College, Citadel, Northern Illinois
Primary recruiter: Jan Jorgensen
Adonis Jackson 6’3″ 265 (3*) – Mississippi Valley State University – (2 years to play 2)
2025 (Jr.) Stats: 37 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 1 pass breakup
2024 (So.) Stats: 40 tackles, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries
2023 (Fr.) Stats: 31 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: Idaho St, Northern Arizona
Original offers from: Dakota St, Southern Oregon, University of Mary, Valparaiso
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://x.com/i/status/1994983129422172490
James Jennette 6’5″ 225 (3*) – Virginia Tech University – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 9 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, 0.5 sacks; Missed much of the season due to injury
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 4 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks
2023 (So.) Stats: 2 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks at Virginia Tech University
2022 (RsFr.) Stats: 25 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups at College of the Canyons (CA)
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 13 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss at William & Mary University
Offers from: UNKNOWN
Original offers from: Appalachian St, Hawaii, Virginia Tech
Primary recruiter: Jan Jorgensen, Chris Peace
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8683165/James-Jennette
Jordan Pendleton 6’4″ 235 (NR) – University of Saint Thomas (MN) – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (Jr.) Stats: 47 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
2024 (So.) Stats: 16 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 blocked kick
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 2 tackles
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at the University of Saint Thomas-Minnesota
Offers from: UNKNOWN
Original offers from: Culver-Stockton College, Saint Thomas-Minnesota
Primary recruiter: Jan Jorgenson
https://x.com/i/status/1999185814987620536
2026 OUTLOOK
JAMES JENNETTE
James Jennette is a transfer from Virginia Tech University who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the Hokies last season, Jennette missed much of the season with an injury but did manage to play in 4 games with 1 start, logging 9 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks.
During his 5-year career at Virginia Tech, College of the Canyons Community College (CA), and William & Mary University, Jennette has played in 38 games with 8 starts and totaled 53 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.
According to On3 Sports, Jennette is rated as the 2,693rd-best transfer portal player in the country and the 295th-best defensive lineman in the transfer portal. Utah State was Jennette’s first transfer portal scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after being offered. He originally held offers from Appalachian State, Hawaii, and Virginia Tech.
Speed is the name of the game when it comes to Jennette. He already has the ideal height and length for an edge defender, but he also has shown the ability to maintain high-end speed and acceleration. His initial burst of quickness off the line of scrimmage will cause opposing offensive linemen fits. Once he gets into his pass rush, he has a few finesse moves he likes to show off, such as a spin move to the right or left. He also tries to get by his man without him laying a hand on him. He is a fluid, rangy athlete who can make plays all over the field.
JORDAN PENDLETON
Jordan Pendleton is a transfer from the University of Saint Thomas (MN) who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the Tommies last season, Pendleton played in 12 games with 12 starts, logging 47 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 4-year career at the University of Saint Thomas, Pendleton has played in 24 games with 13 starts and totaled 65 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss, 10.0 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked kick.
According to On3 Sports, Pendleton is rated as the 2,315th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 187th-best EDGE rush end in the transfer portal. Utah State was Pendleton’s first transfer portal scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after being offered. He originally held offers from Culver-Stockton College and Saint Thomas-Minnesota.
Pendleton is another high-motor edge rusher. He has shown he can line up at the line of scrimmage and rush from various spots. He likes to fire off the line of scrimmage hard and fast, forcing an opposing offensive lineman back on his heels. He then tries to quickly close the gap, and just as he is about to make contact, he dips past his opponent and moves into the backfield. He plays until the whistle, and he has made a living chasing down opposing quarterbacks and running backs from the backside. He attacks the inside run with a ferocity that often collapses any effort opposing offensive linemen try to make. No matter in run defense or pass rush, his long arms make him a nightmare to block.
JEREMIAH HOLMES
Senior Jeremiah Holmes is a transfer from The Citadel and has two years of eligibility remaining thanks to the new 5-years-to-play-5 ruling handed down by the NCAA.
As a junior with the Bulldogs last season, Holmes played in 12 games with 12 starts, logging 36 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 3-year career at The Citadel, Holmes has played in 29 games with 13 starts and totaled 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Holmes chose the Aggies over offers from Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, Memphis, Ohio, Tulane, and Western Kentucky. He originally held offers from Catawba College, Citadel, and Northern Illinois.
Holmes has an elite burst off the line of scrimmage, giving him immediate pop in his pass rush. He has strong field vision and does a good job reading the field and reacting to the ball. His athleticism makes him a tough player for opposing offensive linemen to block. While he has played with his hand in the dirt like a traditional defensive end, his high-motor and mobility make him an ideal fit at the WILL linebacker spot. With his level of actual in-game experience, he should be regarded as a plug-and-play transfer portal pickup.
ADONIS JACKSON
Senior Adonis Jackson is a transfer from Mississippi Valley State University and has two years of eligibility remaining thanks to the new 5-years-to-play-5 ruling handed down by the NCAA.
As a junior with the Devils last season, Jackson played in 11 games with 11 starts, logging 37 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, and 1 pass breakup.
During his 3-year career at Mississippi Valley State University and Southern Oregon University, Jackson has played in 30 games with 24 starts and totaled 108 tackles, 27.0 tackles-for-loss, 16.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries.
According to 247sports, Jackson is rated as the 2507th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 231st-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. Jackson chose the Aggies over offers from Idaho State and Northern Arizona. He originally held offers from Dakota State, Southern Oregon, University of Mary (ND), and Valparaiso.
Jackson is making the transition from linebacker to a pure EDGE rushing role. Fortunately, he has the perfect frame to be an effective player as a pass rusher. He has an explosive first step, and he uses that burst of speed to force opposing offensive linemen into guessing if he is going inside or outside. He uses his physical strength and leverage to properly set the edge, which is pivotal to being a force against the run game. He switches his high motor and natural speed into another gear to chase opposing players across the field, and if he isn’t making the tackle himself, he is at least a primary cause of disrupting the play.
BJ DIAKITE
BJ Diakite is a transfer from the University of North Alabama who will enter the 2026 season as a graduate senior and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. He will be able to compete for the Aggies in the 2027 season due to receiving a medical redshirt.
As a senior with the Lions last season, Diakite played in 4 games with 0 starts and was credited with 5 tackles before choosing to redshirt the rest of the season.
During his 4-year career at the University of North Alabama and Vanderbilt University, Diakite has played in 31 games with 3 starts and totaled 41 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.
According to On3 Sports, Diakite is rated as the 2,696th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 208th-best EDGE rush defensive end in the transfer portal. He chose the Aggies over offers from Alabama A&M and New Mexico. He originally held offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, East Carolina, Georgia Tech, South Alabama, and Vanderbilt.
Diakite is an athlete playing on the defensive side of the ball. Coming out of high school, he played wide receiver and linebacker before settling in as an EDGE rush defensive end. He is a tenacious defender and is relentless in his pursuit of opposing offensive players. His explosiveness and high-pressure style of pass rush make him a disruptive force in the backfield. His upper-level athleticism and fluid body movement allow him to drop into pass coverage to throw a scheme wrinkle at opposing offenses. He has the frame and the experience to be a consistent option at this position.
BRODY FLORES
True freshman Brody Flores enrolled at Utah State in January and gave himself a huge advantage by going through spring ball.
Last season as a senior at Grandview High School (CO), Flores played in 12 games with 12 starts and racked up 85 tackles, 26.0 tackles-for-loss, 12.0 sacks, and 3 pass breakups.
During his 3-year career with the Wolves, Flores played in 31 games with 24 starts and totaled 167 tackles, 44.0 tackles-for-loss, 21.0 sacks, and 7 pass breakups
According to 247 Sports, Flores was rated as the 1207th-best player nationally, the 105th-best EDGE rush defensive end, and the 17th-best player in Colorado. He chose the Aggies over offers from Fresno State and Washington State.
Flores brings sprinter speed to the table. His initial burst off the line of scrimmage is very difficult for opposing offensive linemen to keep up with. He consistently wins his individual matchups and is able to set the edge. Once the play begins to develop, he is a solid tackler and will bring down opposing ball carriers however he can. He can get after the quarterback effectively and has a stutter step and bull rush as his pass rush moves. He has a relentless motor and will not give up on plays and will be seen often running guys down from behind.
PROJECTED 2026 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
WILL LINEBACKER/EDGE
00 James Jennette (6-5, 225, Sr., TR, 3*)
00 Jordan Pendleton (6-4, 235, Sr., TR, NR)
00 Jeremiah Holmes (6-2, 235, Sr., TR, 3*)
00 Adonis Jackson (6-3, 265, Sr., TR, 3*)
00 BJ Diakite (6-4, 250, RsSr., TR, 3*)
00 Brody Flores (6-2, 200, Fr., HS, 3*)
Coming Up On Tuesday: Linebacker