Texas A&M men's basketball begins its 2026-27 season Tuesday, hosting Alabama State at Reed Arena. The matchup marks the beginning of Bucky McMillan's second season leading the Aggies, who are looking to build on last year's NCAA Tournament appearance.
McMillan guided Texas A&M to a 22-12 record and an 11-7 mark in SEC play during his first season, finishing fourth in the conference. The Aggies averaged 86.1 points per game while establishing several program records, but this year's roster will look considerably different. Only five players return from last season, with 11 newcomers joining the program.
PJ Haggerty headlines the additions after averaging 23.4 points per game at Kansas State last season. The Aggies also welcome back Mackenzie Mgbako,
whose first season in College Station was limited to seven games because of injury. Both players will be important as McMillan works to establish chemistry within his new lineup.
Texas A&M enters Tuesday's opener following a 94-88 exhibition loss to SMU on Oct. 25. Haggerty scored 28 points, while Jordan Pope added 15. Alabama State finished 10-22 last season and begins its first year under head coach Chris Wright. Tuesday will mark the first meeting between the programs.
Here's everything you need to know to follow the action:
What channel is the Texas A&M vs. Alabama State game on? Time, TV schedule
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Start time: 7 p.m. CT
Location: Reed Arena, College Station, Texas
TV Channel: SEC Network+
Stream: ESPN App
Texas A&M vs. Alabama State will stream on SEC Network+ as the Aggies open the 2026-27 college basketball season. The game will not air on the SEC Network's traditional television channel.
Texas A&M key players
- PJ Haggerty (G): Averaged 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists at Kansas State last season. Scored 28 points in the exhibition against SMU.
- Jordan Pope (G): Transferred from Texas after averaging 13.1 points per game last season. Added 15 points against SMU.
- Mackenzie Mgbako (F): Returns after an injury-shortened 2025-26 season. Averaged 10.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in seven appearances.
- Tyshawn Archie (G): Transfer from McNeese who averaged 14.3 points per game last season.
- Cade Phillips (F): Veteran frontcourt addition from Tennessee who brings SEC experience.
- Zach Clemence (F): The 6-foot-11 senior returns after averaging 6.9 points and 3.2 rebounds last season. He provides experience and perimeter shooting.
Texas A&M vs. Alabama State predictions, picks, odds
Odds: A verified BetMGM spread, over/under, and moneyline were not available as of Monday, Nov. 2.
The Aggies have considerable roster turnover to manage, and their exhibition loss to SMU showed that McMillan's new group still has areas to improve. However, Texas A&M should have a significant advantage in offensive talent, particularly with Haggerty leading the backcourt.
Alabama State enters with a new head coach and its own adjustments to make. Playing at Reed Arena against an Aggies team looking to establish its identity will be a difficult opening assignment.
Texas A&M should control the pace and create enough scoring opportunities to begin McMillan's second season with a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Texas A&M 91, Alabama State 68
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Where to watch Texas A&M basketball vs. Alabama State in season opener
