College Basketball

Texas A&M’s 11-Man Roster Overhaul: Bucky McMillan’s Wild Transfer Portal Reset for 2025–26

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

You can’t rebuild an empire without tearing a few walls down first. And when Texas A&M handed over the keys to rising star Bucky McMillan this offseason, he didn’t just renovate—he brought a bulldozer.

The Aggies of 2025–26 will share a gym with last year’s squad, but that’s about it.

Gone are the cornerstones of Buzz Williams’ regime. In their place? A wild blend of eleven transfer portal additions, one sharp-shooting freshman, and a fearless head coach whose “Bucky Ball” blueprint promises chaos, conditioning, and creativity.

“This isn’t a rebuild,” McMillan said. “This is an attack plan.”

And it’s not just noise. From former five-stars like Mackenzie Mgbako to mid-major killers like Jacari Lane, this roster is loaded with scorers, athletes, and IQ. But can this many new faces form a winning unit—fast—in a brutal SEC?

Here’s the deep dive coaches and scouts need to read.

🔍 Inside the Aggie Portal Power Surge

🔥 Top Transfer Class (Ranked No. 20 Nationally)

Texas A&M brought in:

  • 11 transfers (Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and mid-majors)
  • 1 four-star freshman (Jeremiah Green)
  • 1 returning scholarship player (Chris McDermott)

This kind of volume overhaul hasn’t been seen in the SEC since LSU’s 2021-22 reset—but the talent in this class might surpass it.

📊 Scouting Report: Key Newcomers for 2025–26

⭐️ Mackenzie Mgbako | 6’8” | Forward | Indiana

🧬 Versatile Scoring Wing. High-Major Frame. NBA Track.

  • Strengths: Polished midrange jumper • NBA-level footwork • Physical at 225+ lbs • Clutch shotmaker
  • Weaknesses: Streaky from deep (33%) • Needs more urgency on defense • Sometimes ball-stops the flow
  • 🛠️ Projection: Starting 3/4 combo; likely 2026 NBA Draft pick if efficiency improves
  • 🔥 Coach’s Quote: “Mgbako has the upside to lead the SEC in scoring. He just needs the green light.”

💥 Pop Isaacs | 6’2” | Guard | Creighton/Texas Tech

🧠 Crafty Scorer. Veteran Leader. Floor General DNA.

  • Strengths: Proven 16+ PPG guy • Great change-of-pace handle • Midrange pull-up elite
  • Weaknesses: Health (hip) concerns • Undersized vs SEC guards defensively
  • 🛠️ Projection: Day-one starting PG or combo; late-season All-SEC sleeper
  • 🧨 Fit with Bucky: Perfect for an open floor, pick-and-roll heavy system

🪶 Duke Miles | 6’2” | G | Oklahoma

🎯 Efficient Scorer. 50/40/80 shooter. Silent Assassin.

  • Strengths: Excellent shot selection • Floor spacer • Low TO%
  • Weaknesses: Not a natural playmaker • Needs to defend tougher wings
  • 🛠️ Projection: Bench microwave or starter depending on Isaacs’ health

🧱 Rashaun Agee | 6’7” | PF | USC/Bowling Green

🐂 Rebounding Machine. Paint Presence.

  • Strengths: High motor on boards • Interior finisher • Veteran toughness
  • Weaknesses: Limited perimeter skillset • Can get in foul trouble
  • 🛠️ Projection: Enforcer at the 4 spot; potential glue guy
  • 💥 Stats: 9.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG last season

🦾 Zach Clemence | 6’11” | PF/C | Kansas

📡 Stretch Big. Soft Touch. Sleeper Shooter.

  • Strengths: Range out to 3PT line • High release • Great length
  • Weaknesses: Lacks strength inside • Not a shot blocker
  • 🛠️ Projection: Situational floor-spacing 5

🧠 Rylan Griffen | 6’6” | Wing | Alabama/Kansas

🪨 Two-Way Wing. Silent Contributor.

  • Strengths: Intelligent cutter • Sound passer • Disciplined defender
  • Weaknesses: Doesn’t create off-dribble • Confidence wavers under pressure
  • 🛠️ Projection: Role player who could earn starter minutes by SEC play

🚦 Jacari Lane | 6’0” | G | Alabama State

🌪️ Scoring Guard. Lightning Quick. Mid-Major Bucket Getter.

  • Strengths: Blazing speed • Shoots 41% from 3 • Huge confidence
  • Weaknesses: Size mismatch at this level • Defensive lapses
  • 🛠️ Projection: High-usage bench scorer; potential SEC breakout sleeper

🌍 Fede Federiko | 6’11” | C | Pittsburgh

🧱 Shot Blocker. Paint Anchor.

  • Strengths: Vertical rim protection • Putback machine • Runs rim to rim
  • Weaknesses: Low free throw % • Fouls easily in space
  • 🛠️ Projection: Backup 5 with defensive upside

📦 Others to Watch

  • Jamie Vinson: Texas transfer; athletic backup forward
  • Josh Holloway: McMillan’s former Samford PG; extension of coach on court
  • Jeremiah Green: 4★ freshman; strong frame, tough driver, should redshirt or play rotational guard

🔚 Closing Thoughts: From Chaos, Comes Chemistry

Let’s be honest—this much turnover could’ve been a disaster. But there’s a method to the madness here. McMillan didn’t just go fishing in the portal. He went hunting for fits: guys who match his tempo, toughness, and team-first vision.

Is this a top-four SEC team overnight? Maybe not.

But it’s a team that nobody is going to want to see in February. By then, the chemistry could click. The “Bucky Ball” identity will be real. And the scouts will be watching.

If you’re a coach looking for mismatches, hidden scorers, or proven veterans to game-plan against—circle A&M early.

This ain’t the same team from last year. And that might be their greatest weapon.

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