The NCAA Tournament field officially expanded to 76 teams this offseason, easing pressure on each Power Four program to win its division and potentially leading to less competition late in the regular season. Nevertheless, the 2026-2027 season should be highly entertaining, especially watching Texas A&M under second-year coach Bucky McMillan.
This writer believes McMillan's second roster is more talented and could make a deep tournament run and possibly contend for an SEC title if health isn't an issue. After losing several key starters, McMillan landed seven transfer portal commitments, led by star shooting guard PJ Haggerty, who averaged nearly 24 points per game with Kansas State last season.
Texas A&M's frontcourt, which lacked size last season,
brings back forward Mackenzie Mgbako, Zach Clemence, and Jamie Vinson, along with transfers Cade Phillips and Jalen Shelley, who offer plenty of potential and quality depth while fitting McMillan's fast-paced, physical scheme.
After making the NCAA Tournament as a 10-seed in Year 1, the Aggies' chances of making it back to the postseason will hinge on Texas transfer point guard Jordan Pope staying healthy for 30-plus games, knowing that a lack of reliable depth at the position could result in placing too much pressure on PJ Haggerty and taking away from his natural shooting guard spot.
While CBS Sports writer Matt Norlander ranked Texas A&M the 73rd-best team entering the 2026-2027 season, ESPN sees the Aggies as a "dangerous bubble team," largely because they added PJ Haggerty.
"PJ Haggerty, who has finished top five in scoring nationally in back-to-back years, makes Texas A&M a potential upset candidate."
Yes, Haggerty will likely match his scoring average from last season, but Mackenzie Mgbako, who missed all but seven games last season, is also crucial to Texas A&M's offense functioning at a high level throughout the season.
Texas A&M opens up the 2026-2027 season against Alabama State on Tuesday, November 3.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN sees Texas A&M as a 'dangerous bubble team' ahead of 2026 season
