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Texas A&M, Houston Prepare for March Madness Showdown with Injury Updates
Key players sidelined for both teams ahead of highly anticipated second-round matchup
Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:35pm
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As the Texas A&M Aggies and Houston Cougars prepare to face off in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, both teams are dealing with significant injuries to key players. The Aggies will be without star forward Mackenzie Mgbako, who suffered a season-ending foot injury, while the Cougars are missing guard Kordel Jefferson and freshman Bryce Jackson. Despite the setbacks, the two squads are otherwise healthy and ready to battle it out for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.
Why it matters
This matchup between in-state rivals Texas A&M and Houston is highly anticipated, as both teams have had strong seasons and are looking to make a deep run in the tournament. The injuries to Mgbako, Jefferson, and Jackson could have a major impact on the outcome of the game, making the teams' depth and ability to adapt crucial factors.
The details
For Texas A&M, the loss of Mgbako is a significant blow. The Indiana transfer was expected to be a key contributor this season, averaging 10.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in the seven games he was able to play before suffering a foot injury that ended his season. On the Houston side, the Cougars will be without Jefferson, who played limited minutes in just three games this year, and freshman Bryce Jackson.
- The Texas A&M vs. Houston game is scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at 5:10 p.m. on TNT.
- Mgbako's season-ending foot injury occurred in mid-November, after he had played in only seven games for the Aggies.
The players
Mackenzie Mgbako
A star forward for the Texas A&M Aggies who suffered a season-ending foot injury after playing in just seven games this season.
Kordel Jefferson
A guard for the Houston Cougars who has been sidelined for most of the season, playing in only three games and averaging 1.3 points per contest.
Bryce Jackson
A freshman guard for the Houston Cougars who will also miss the second-round matchup against Texas A&M.
What’s next
The winner of the Texas A&M vs. Houston game will advance to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
The takeaway
Injuries to key players on both sides will be a major factor in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated second-round matchup between in-state rivals Texas A&M and Houston. The teams' depth and ability to adapt without their injured stars could be the difference in this March Madness showdown.
