Texas A&M is in the midst of entering a new era for their athletic programs, with new head coaches helming the football and basketball teams, and it's been an unmitigated positive on both fronts thus far. Mike Elko and Bucky McMillan both have exceeded expectations so far in their positions, with the latter making huge strides in just one season on the job.
The publicity this has brought the Aggies has been impressive to say the least, with the perception of the football program in particular getting a huge boost after this past season. It remains to be seen what Bucky will do in March, but the feeling there is very positive as well.
Texas A&M signals sea change by outperforming their rivals in basketball and football
The Next Round tweeted out a graphic comparing the conference record of Power 4 teams as a combined factor of both football and basketball, and the Aggies are well ahead of their biggest rivals.
How every Power 4 team collectively performed in football & basketball conference play this year pic.twitter.com/90P4wm64jj
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 9, 2026
Texas A&M is up in 8th place, while the Longhorns are down at 17th. LSU is in an even worse spot, as the Bayou Bengals find themselves all the way down at 57th place (thanks, Scott Woodward!). Oklahoma, another regional, conference rival is in 26th.
Texas A&M only trails Alabama when it comes to the SEC, and with the way things are trending on the gridiron, they could supplant the Crimson Tide by this time next season as well. Trev Alberts is turning out to be a great hire for the Maroon and White, as he has already hit a couple of home runs.
Of course, Texas A&M has a more difficult challenge next year in football, with quite a few tough road tilts on their slate. There are also some possible difficulties for basketball, but a full offseason for Bucky's team could end up meaning that the Aggies field an even more formidable squad in 2026-27.
One thing is for sure: the Aggies look to be entering a golden age. If baseball can deliver on the promise their hot start has shown as well, then the Aggies will be really set.