Is Texas A&M the Dark Horse Ready to Shake Up ESPN’s Preseason Top 25?

Texas A&M’s basketball voyage under coach Bucky McMillan has been nothing short of a riveting tale of resilience and savvy roster crafting. Just fresh off steering the Aggies into last month’s NCAA Tournament, McMillan faces a colossal challenge: rebuilding after the transfer portal swept away key starters, including the formidable Rashaun Agee. Yet, rather than dread the overhaul, McMillan and his staff sprang into action, loading up the squad with impact transfers like sharpshooting PJ Haggerty, versatile Lukas Walls, and Tennessee’s Cade Phillips—each poised to fill critical voids in both starting lineups and bench depth. Then came the exhilarating news that star forward Mackenzie Mgbako would be back, bolstering the lineup further alongside exciting additions such as NBA G-League guard Bryson Warren, LSU’s Jalen Reece, McNeese’s Tyshawn Archie, and LMU’s Jalen Shelley. With this flurry of talent, heading into the summer, the stage is set for the Aggies to stake their claim as legitimate preseason Top 25 contenders . But here’s the twist: while blueblood programs like Texas Longhorns continue to reload, ESPN slots Texas A&M just outside the elite mark—ranked fifth among the ‘next five.’ Honestly? I believe this team has the chops and the experience to crack that Top 25, though there’s still some roster fluidity with Warren’s eligibility looming and perhaps one final forward or center to be added. It’s a fascinating dance of potential, promise, and timing—one that’s got me excited about where this Aggies squad is headed next season. LEARN MORE