Lyle Hemphill Believes Anto Saka is Finding His Fit in Texas A&M’s New-Look Defense

Northwestern transfer Anto Saka is still learning the language of Texas A&M’s defense, but defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill believes the star edge rusher is making the transition rather quickly.

Saka arrived at College Station in January after a productive start with the Wildcats, where he recorded 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks in 33 games. Now, he is forced to adapt to a defensive system that looks considerably different from what he played in Evanston.

That adjustment began in the spring, when Saka needed several practices to get comfortable with his new responsibilities. By fall camp, though, Hemphill said Saka had shown enough understanding and natural athleticism to line up at multiple spots along the defensive front.

The Adjustment Period

Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) looks at Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Anto Saka (4) during a run in the second quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

"I think just the system he played at Northwestern, the system we're playing here, it's completely different for him,” Hemphill said. “It took him a couple of practices in the spring to get it going, but once we got to fall camp, he's playing both sides. The end and the jack for us. He can do it all.”

That versatility could be specifically valuable for an Aggies defense that is currently undergoing a transition of its own. Hemphill was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2026 season, and Texas A&M is looking to rebuild the aggressive, balanced identity it previously had, only under his direction.

For Saka, the goal during fall camp has been less about mastering a single Aggie role and more about understanding how he can be used across the entire scheme.

The physical tools are already apparent. Saka brings the kind of athleticism that can give Hemphill the necessary flexibility and has drawn national attention for his combination of size and speed. He was ranked No. 31 on Bruce Feldman’s 2026 Freaks List after reportedly reaching 21.9 mph.

“Yeah, he's a physical kid,” Hemphill said. “He can run fast. He uses his hands. He's violent.”

That previous learning curve appears to be shrinking with every rep. Saka has entered fall camp with a better grasp of what the Aggies and Hemphill expect from him.

For a Texas A&M defense trying to maximize its personnel, Saka’s ability to do multiple jobs could be extremely important. If his physical gifts can properly mesh with his growing understanding of the system, the former Northwestern standout has a chance to become one of the more exciting pieces of Hemphill’s new defense.

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