Texas A&M’s season opener is almost here, and one of the biggest reasons for optimism in College Station is getting back on the floor healthy.
Second-year coach Bucky McMillan and the Aggies will open the 2026-2027 season against Alabama State on Tuesday, November 3, with the regular season less than a week away. On Thursday, McMillan met with the media along with several players, including senior forward Mackenzie Mgbako, who said he’s fully healthy after missing all but seven non-conference games last season.
For Texas A&M, that matters. Pair Mgbako with transfer shooting guard PJ Haggerty, and the Aggies have a chance to make another push toward the NCAA Tournament after falling to Houston in the Round of 32. Haggerty’s ability to attack off the dribble and fit into McMillan’s up-tempo style gives this roster a different kind of juice, while Mgbako’s availability may be just as important once SEC play ramps up.
Mgbako said this offseason has felt different, with his earlier health problems no longer hanging over him as the season nears. He also pointed to a more intense summer conditioning program and added muscle as reasons he believes he’ll be better equipped to handle contact in the paint.
"Super excited, man. Super excited.
You know how it goes, man. That first game, energy is up, amped up.
(Gotta) keep that (up) through the tenure of the season. So, yeah, man.
I'm really blessed to be back in this position."
Texas A&M brought in six other key transfer portal additions, while forwards Zach Clemence and Jamie Vinson are back as well. Add former Texas transfer Jordan Pople, who is expected to handle point guard duties, and the Aggies have a roster that looks deeper and more proven than it has in more than 10 years.
Mgbako’s view of the group is straightforward. He sees a team built on pace, pressure and experience.
"I mean, we're really talented team. We work hard.
You know, we try to play together. We try to play fast.
We like to shoot the ball, so I feel like anything else, we're just a high-energy level team. We play together.
We got a lot of veterans, a lot of older players who understand the game. Just leading with that kind of mentality is probably what's gonna separate us."
Mgbako transferred from Indiana before the 2025-2026 season, and Texas A&M will be counting on him to set the tone with speed and physical defense. If he can do that, McMillan’s offense should have plenty of chances to run, and Mgbako should get the kind of scoring looks that made him a former McDonald’s All-American in the first place.
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