The wait for Aggie hoops is finally over, as Texas A&M men's basketball opens its 2026-27 campaign against the Alabama State Hornets at Reed Arena on Tuesday night.

Head coach Bucky McMillan begins his second season in Bryan-College Station, Texas, after leading the Aggies to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and a fourth-place finish in the SEC in his first year at the helm. His high-paced, volume-shooting style of basketball ranked among the top-15 teams in the nation in scoring offense (86.1 points), assists (18.1), 3-pointers (10.8) and bench points (35.6).

Despite losing some production from last year's team, including outstanding forward Rashaun Agee, McMillan dipped into the transfer portal and landed the No. 15 class in college basketball, including Kansas State transfer guard PJ Haggerty, who is the country's leading returning scorer. Joining Haggerty at guard are Jalen Reece (LSU), Lukas Walls (Radford) and Jordan Pope (Texas), all of whom have the potential to be prolific scorers in their first seasons with the Aggies.

McMillan also retained graduate forward Zach Clemence and former McDonald's All-American Mackenzie Mgbako, who will play integral roles as the leading voices of this year's squad.

Tuesday night's season opener marks the first contest ever against Alabama State, which is one of three teams Texas A&M will face from the SWAC this season.

Follow along here for live updates, scores, highlights, and analysis throughout Tuesday night's season opener.

1H: Texas A&M 16 | Alabama State 13

08:23 PM ET, November 3 2026

The Hornets have closed in on the Aggies' lead, down just three points at the second media timeout with around 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Texas A&M is shooting 55.6% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.

1H: Texas A&M 7 | Alabama 6

08:12 PM ET, November 3 2026

The Aggies lead by a point at the first media timeout of the first half. Pope, Haggerty and Mgbako have two points apiece. Texas A&M is shooting 50.0% from the field and 75.0% from the free-throw line.

First points of the second season of Bucky Ball!

08:06 PM ET, November 3 2026

Pope is fouled and awarded two free throws. The Texas transfer drains both.

Starting lineups for the Aggies and Hornets

07:49 PM ET, November 3 2026

Texas A&M's starting five:

  • G, Jordan Pope
  • G, PJ Haggerty
  • F, Jalen Shelley
  • F, Cade Phillips
  • F, Mackenzie Mgbako

Alabama State's starting five:

  • G, Damarion Bonds
  • G, Mike James
  • G, Paul McMillan IV
  • F, Joseph Scott
  • F, Isaiah Barganier

Rylan Griffen not listed on printed rosters amid NCAA eligibility battle

06:48 PM ET, November 3 2026

Rylan Griffen is not listed on the printed out roster tonight for Texas A&M, but he is still listed on their online roster as he seeks a fifth year of eligibility.
Griffen’s TRO expired after his case was dismissed, so he’s currently ineligible and will not play for A&M until… pic.twitter.com/HYOfx0zY4n

— Luke Evangelist (@lukeevangelist_) November 3, 2026

Texas A&M vs. Alabama State predictions, picks, odds

06:15 PM ET, November 3 2026, Cameron Ohnysty

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

Texas A&M key players

06:10 PM ET, November 3 2026, Cameron Ohnysty

  • 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.

What channel is the Texas A&M vs. Alabama State game on? Time, TV schedule

06:05 PM ET, November 3 2026, Cameron Ohnysty

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.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Alabama State live updates: Score, highlights, analysis

Source: Yahoo Sports