Texas A&M’s men’s basketball program has been handed a ninth‑seed in the latest CBS Sports preseason SEC power rankings for the 2026‑27 season, a placement that reflects both optimism and the challenge ahead.
The Aggies finished the previous campaign sixth in the SEC and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, giving them a solid foundation to build on.
A Roster Built for Growth
Head coach Bucky McMillan will rely on a revamped roster that includes transfers PJ Haggerty, Jalen Shelley and Tyshawn Archie, while retaining veteran forward Zach Clemence and the promising Mackenzie Mgbako, who returns after a season‑ending injury.
Adding to the interior, 6‑foot‑9 Tennessee transfer Cade Phillips is expected to bolster rebounding and paint presence, complementing the shooting arsenal of the new arrivals.
The schedule features home‑and‑home matchups against traditional rivals LSU, Texas and Vanderbilt, while road trips will take the team to Florida, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and South Carolina.
With a blend of experienced returnees and high‑impact transfers, the Aggies hope to move beyond the middle of the pack and contend for a higher seed when the season unfolds.