ESPN Highlights Texas A&M CB Dezz Ricks as Key Returning Player

Ricks looks to build on breakout 2025 season for Aggies' secondary

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Texas A&M cornerback Dezz Ricks, a former transfer from Alabama, has been named by ESPN as the Aggies' 'key returning player' to watch ahead of the 2026 season. Ricks struggled in his first year with the program in 2024 but bounced back with a solid 2025 campaign, allowing just 40% of targets to be completed against him with 9 pass breakups and 2 touchdowns allowed.

Why it matters

Ricks' development is crucial for a Texas A&M defense that has seen significant roster turnover, with over 20 players departing the program including 13 headed to the NFL Combine. The Aggies will rely on Ricks to anchor their secondary alongside transfers and young talent as they look to build on their first College Football Playoff appearance.

The details

After transferring from Alabama, Ricks had a rocky start to his Texas A&M career in 2024, allowing over 500 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, he bounced back in 2025, earning a starting cornerback job and improving his coverage metrics, allowing just 420 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ricks finished the year with 29 tackles and 9 pass breakups, earning a solid 63.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.

  • Ricks transferred to Texas A&M before the 2024 season.
  • In 2024, Ricks struggled, allowing over 500 yards and 3 touchdowns.
  • In 2025, Ricks improved, earning a starting job and allowing just 420 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The players

Dezz Ricks

A senior cornerback at Texas A&M who transferred from Alabama before the 2024 season. After a rocky start, he had a breakout 2025 campaign and is now seen as a key returning player for the Aggies.

Marcel Reed

Texas A&M's starting quarterback, who is one of the key offensive players returning for the Aggies in 2026.

Mario Craver

A star wide receiver for Texas A&M who is also among the key returning offensive players for the Aggies in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The Aggies were able to re-sign a bunch of key starters on offense following their first CFP appearance, including quarterback Marcel Reed, running back Rueben Owens II, wide receiver Mario Craver and center Mark Nabou Jr. They had a lot of work to do on defense in reloading via the portal, so getting Ricks locked in for another year was a big deal. The former Alabama transfer is entering his third season as a starter and allowed catches on just 40% of targets last year with nine pass breakups and two TDs allowed, per ESPN Research.”

— Max Olson, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Aggies' secondary will be a key focus heading into the 2026 season, with Ricks leading a group that also includes Tennessee transfer CB Rickey Gibson and five-star freshman Brandon Arrington.

The takeaway

Dezz Ricks' development from a struggling transfer to a key returning player for Texas A&M's defense highlights the importance of player growth and the impact that experienced cornerbacks can have in college football. The Aggies will rely heavily on Ricks to anchor their secondary as they look to build on their first CFP appearance.