Texas A&M Basketball Snubbed In AP Preseason Top 25 Despite Haggerty

Texas A&M basketball will begin the 2026-27 season with something to prove after being excluded from Monday's Associated Press preseason Top 25.

The Aggies received just six points in the voting despite returning to the NCAA Tournament last season and adding one of college basketball's most prolific scorers.

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For second-year coach Bucky McMillan, the omission creates an opportunity to establish that last season's success wasn't a one-year surprise.

Texas A&M went 22-12 in McMillan's first campaign, finished fourth in the Southeastern Conference with an 11-7 league record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Aggies also introduced an entertaining offensive philosophy that quickly became known as "Bucky Ball."

McMillan's system emphasizes pace, aggressive defensive pressure and contributions throughout the rotation.

The results were impressive.

Texas A&M averaged 86.1 points and 17.8 assists per game, placing among the SEC's most productive offensive teams. The Aggies also averaged 10.6 made 3-pointers and 34.9 bench points.

But this year's roster looks considerably different.

Texas A&M lost much of its production from last season and rebuilt through the transfer portal, with former Kansas State standout PJ Haggerty becoming the most significant addition.

Haggerty averaged 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists last season, ranking fourth nationally in scoring.

The 6-4 guard also produced five 30-point games, including a 37-point performance against Mississippi State.

His scoring ability gives McMillan a proven offensive centerpiece.

Returning forwards Mackenzie Mgbako and Zach Clemence provide experience, while newcomers Tyshawn Archie, Jordan Pope and Jalen Reece add backcourt depth.

The challenge will be establishing chemistry quickly enough to compete in a conference loaded with nationally ranked opponents.

Florida enters the season at No. 1, followed among SEC programs by No. 7 Texas, No. 8 Tennessee, No. 12 Arkansas, No. 20 Alabama, No. 23 Kentucky and No. 24 Vanderbilt.

Texas A&M will have opportunities to prove voters wrong.

The Aggies open November 3 against Alabama State at Reed Arena before hosting Oklahoma State on Nov. 12.

They'll also travel to TCU on Nov. 19 and face Xavier and Marquette during the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Conference play begins Jan. 2 against Auburn.

For McMillan, the preseason ranking isn't nearly as important as what happens once the games begin.

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But with Haggerty leading another rebuilt roster, Texas A&M has the offensive talent to challenge expectations.

The Aggies might not be ranked today, but they'll have plenty of chances to make voters reconsider.