Texas A&M to Play SMU in Exhibition Basketball
The Aggies head to Dallas to face SMU on October 26, 2026, for a preseason test at Moody Coliseum.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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Should college teams prioritize integrating new roster talent over maintaining established team chemistry?
Texas A&M basketball will face SMU in an exhibition game at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, October 26, 2026. This matchup at Moody Coliseum serves as a final evaluation for the team before the regular season begins.
Why it matters
The exhibition allows the coaching staff to determine how a heavily revamped roster functions in live game conditions. It provides a critical look at player chemistry and cohesion ahead of official competition.
Texas A&M enters this matchup with 11 newcomers and six returning players. Head coach Bucky McMillan is currently in his second season leading the program.
The players
Bucky McMillan
He is the head coach of the Texas A&M basketball team and is currently in his second season with the program.
Mackenzie Mgbako
He is a returning player for Texas A&M who is rejoining the team following an injury.
PJ Haggerty
He is a new addition to the Texas A&M roster who previously played for Kansas State.
The details
The game focuses on testing team cohesion through defensive rotations and offensive ball sharing. Staff members are particularly interested in seeing how returning players, such as the injury-recovered Mackenzie Mgbako, integrate with new additions like former Kansas State player PJ Haggerty.
Timeline
The exhibition game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern on October 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition game against SMU follows the established protocols of the NCAA Division I basketball exhibition period. It acts as a vital benchmark for the team as they prepare for the rigors of the full competitive schedule.
The game provides the first look at how the 11 new players will be integrated into the existing rotation alongside the six returnees. Fans can expect to see how ball movement and spacing are prioritized by the coaching staff to shape the team's identity for the season.
The takeaway
Preseason exhibitions are essential for programs with high roster turnover to establish chemistry before games count toward the standings. Coaches use these opportunities to experiment with rotations that balance new talent and experienced returners.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the sport on the Dallas Basketball page.
Live Poll
Should college teams prioritize integrating new roster talent over maintaining established team chemistry?
