The world of college football is filled with rising stars, but few have captured the attention of scouts and fans quite like Texas A&M Aggies defensive standout Shemar Stewart. A dominant force on the field, Stewart has been a cornerstone of the Aggies’ defense, showcasing the kind of talent that could see him drafted into the NFL as early as 2026. However, recent discussions suggest that if he declares for the draft that year, he may find himself selected by a team other than the Cincinnati Bengals, despite earlier speculation linking him to the franchise.
Stewart’s journey to becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in college football has been nothing short of impressive. A five-star recruit out of Monsignor Pace High School in Florida, he was one of the most sought-after defensive linemen in the 2022 recruiting class. His combination of size, speed, and raw power made him an immediate impact player for the Aggies, and he has only continued to refine his game under the guidance of Texas A&M’s coaching staff. Standing at 6’6” and weighing around 290 pounds, Stewart possesses the ideal physical traits for an NFL defensive end or tackle, with the versatility to disrupt offenses in multiple ways.
During his time at Texas A&M, Stewart has demonstrated an elite ability to rush the passer, collapse the pocket, and stop the run—a trifecta of skills that NFL teams covet. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, combined with his advanced hand-fighting techniques, allows him to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he emerged as one of the SEC’s most feared defenders, consistently drawing double teams and still managing to produce game-changing plays. His performance against top-tier competition has only solidified his reputation as a future first-round pick.
Initially, many draft analysts projected Stewart as a potential fit for the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that has been in need of bolstering its defensive front. The Bengals have invested heavily in their offense, particularly around quarterback Joe Burrow, but their defense—especially the pass rush—has sometimes been inconsistent. A player of Stewart’s caliber could have been the missing piece to elevate Cincinnati’s defense to championship levels. However, as the 2025 college football season unfolds and the 2026 NFL Draft picture begins to take shape, new variables are emerging that could steer Stewart toward a different destination.
One major factor is the evolving needs of other NFL teams. While the Bengals could certainly use a player like Stewart, other franchises may be in even greater need of a disruptive defensive lineman by the time the 2026 draft arrives. Teams like the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, or Seattle Seahawks—depending on how their rosters develop over the next two seasons—could prioritize adding a dominant force like Stewart to their defensive lines. Additionally, draft positioning will play a crucial role. If the Bengals have a strong season and pick later in the first round, they may miss out on Stewart if another team with a higher selection views him as a must-have prospect.
Another consideration is scheme fit. While Stewart’s versatility allows him to thrive in multiple defensive systems, some teams may value his specific skill set more than others. For instance, a team that runs a heavy 4-3 defense might see him as an ideal three-technique tackle, while a 3-4 team could envision him as a powerful five-technique end. The Bengals primarily operate out of a 4-3 base, but if another team with a different scheme falls in love with Stewart’s potential, they could prioritize drafting him over Cincinnati.
Furthermore, the Bengals’ own draft strategy may shift by 2026. While defensive line is certainly an area they could address, they may have other pressing needs by then, such as offensive line depth, secondary reinforcements, or even a new weapon for Burrow. NFL teams rarely draft based solely on talent; roster construction is a complex puzzle where immediate needs often dictate selections. If the Bengals feel they can address their defensive line in free agency or later in the draft, they may opt to use their first-round pick on another position, leaving Stewart available for another team to snag.
Stewart’s draft stock will also be influenced by his performance in the pre-draft process. The NFL Combine, Pro Day workouts, and private team interviews will all play a role in determining where he lands. If he tests as well as expected—showcasing elite athleticism for his size—he could see his stock rise even higher, potentially putting him out of reach for the Bengals if they are picking in the mid-to-late first round. Conversely, if he suffers an injury or has a down year in 2025, his draft position could fluctuate, though his talent likely ensures he remains a first-round selection regardless.
Another wildcard in this scenario is the potential for trades. The NFL draft is always unpredictable, with teams frequently moving up or down the board to secure their preferred prospects. If a team falls in love with Stewart’s upside, they could trade ahead of the Bengals to ensure they land him. Likewise, the Bengals themselves could trade up if they view Stewart as a franchise-changing talent, but that would require them to part with valuable draft capital—something they may be hesitant to do unless they are absolutely certain about his impact.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Stewart’s intangibles will also factor into his draft position. Coaches and scouts rave about his work ethic, football IQ, and leadership qualities—traits that NFL teams highly value when investing a first-round pick in a player. If he continues to develop as a vocal leader in the Aggies’ locker room, that will only enhance his appeal to franchises looking for a culture-setter on defense.
Ultimately, while the Bengals remain a plausible landing spot for Shemar Stewart in 2026, the dynamics of the NFL draft make it far from a certainty. His talent ensures that he will be a hot commodity, but team needs, draft positioning, and the ever-unpredictable nature of the selection process mean that another franchise could very well end up calling his name. For Stewart, the focus remains on continuing to dominate at Texas A&M and proving to NFL decision-makers that he is worth a high first-round investment.
As the 2025 college football season progresses, all eyes will be on Stewart to see if he can maintain his elite level of play and solidify himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation. Whether he ends up in Cincinnati or elsewhere, one thing is certain: Shemar Stewart has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level, and the team that drafts him will be getting a cornerstone player for years to come. The Bengals may have been an early speculative fit, but the NFL draft is a fluid process, and Stewart’s ultimate destination remains an open question—one that will be answered in due time. Until then, Aggies fans and NFL scouts alike will be watching closely as this star defensive lineman continues his journey toward the pros.
