During a thrilling match at College Station, Texas A&M’s defensive line made waves with an extraordinary defensive play. Cashius Howell, a fifth-year senior known for his relentless pass-rushing abilities, took the spotlight with a once-in-a-decade performance. On three consecutive plays, Howell managed to sack Utah State’s quarterback Bryson Barnes, an event last seen since Jack Cichy’s remarkable feat in the 2,015 Holiday Bowl.
Howell’s performance did not go unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. The game was a significant win for Texas A&M, securing their second victory of the 2025 college football season. The Aggies dominated the game with a 20-point lead, with Howell’s defensive contributions playing a crucial role. His three consecutive sacks were not just a testament to his skills but also a significant moment in the game, forcing Utah State into a punt, effectively shifting the momentum of the match in Texas A&M’s favor.
The highlight of the game came in the second quarter, where Howell’s relentless pass-rushing led to a series of sacks. On the first play, Howell, with his power and speed, pushed past the left tackle Josh Eichorn to sack Barnes for a loss of six yards. The next play followed the same pattern, with Howell’s tenacity leading to another sack. On the third play, he managed to take down Barnes for an even greater loss of 8 yards, forcing the opposing team to punt on fourth down.
Following the game, Howell expressed his astonishment at his own performance, describing the moment as a surreal experience. His coach, Mike Elko, also commended Howell’s performance, stating it was one of the most impressive defensive plays he had ever seen. The accomplishment has now placed Howell in the annals of college football history, making him the first player to record such a feat since the 2015 Holiday Bowl. This achievement is sure to be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2025 season for Texas A&M football.