Texas State Men's Basketball Coach to Lead Team in Pac-12 Debut

Terrence Johnson will return for the 2026-27 season as the Bobcats prepare to join the powerhouse conference.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Texas State men's basketball head coach Terrence Johnson will return for the 2026-27 season, athletic director Don Coryell confirmed. The Bobcats are preparing for their debut in the Pac-12 conference, which will feature powerhouse programs like Gonzaga, San Diego State, Utah State, and Colorado State. Under Johnson's guidance, Texas State landed commitments from two of the highest-rated recruits in program history, DJ Hall and Robert Fields.

Why it matters

Texas State's move to the Pac-12 represents a major leap in modern-day realignment for the program. Keeping Johnson at the helm provides stability and continuity as the Bobcats take on the challenge of competing against some of the top basketball programs in the country.

The details

Johnson has coached the Bobcats for six seasons, guiding them to back-to-back regular-season Sun Belt titles. In the 2025-26 season, the team went 19-13 and tied for second place in the Sun Belt. Johnson has been frank about the challenges the Bobcats will face in the Pac-12, but he believes the university administration is committed to helping the program compete financially.

  • Texas State will make its Pac-12 debut in the 2026-27 season.
  • Johnson will return as head coach for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Terrence Johnson

The head coach of the Texas State men's basketball team, who has led the Bobcats for six seasons and guided them to back-to-back regular-season Sun Belt titles.

Don Coryell

The athletic director at Texas State University, who confirmed that Terrence Johnson will return as the men's basketball head coach for the 2026-27 season.

DJ Hall

A highly-rated recruit who committed to Texas State in 2025 and broke the all-time scoring record for a Texas State freshman, averaging 15.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Robert Fields

Another highly-rated recruit who committed to Texas State in 2025, joining DJ Hall as one of the highest-rated recruits in program history.

Kelly Damphousse

The president of Texas State University, who Terrence Johnson believes is willing to help the basketball program compete financially as they make the move to the Pac-12.

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What they’re saying

“This is one of the largest leaps in modern-day realignment.”

— Terrence Johnson, Head Coach, Texas State Men's Basketball (statesman.com)

“I believe university president Kelly Damphousse and athletic director Don Coryell are willing to figure out what they can do to help the program compete financially.”

— Terrence Johnson, Head Coach, Texas State Men's Basketball (statesman.com)

What’s next

The Bobcats will make their Pac-12 debut in the 2026-27 season, facing off against powerhouse programs like Gonzaga, San Diego State, Utah State, and Colorado State.

The takeaway

Terrence Johnson's return as head coach provides stability and continuity for the Texas State men's basketball program as they take on the challenge of competing in the Pac-12, one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. The university's commitment to supporting the program financially will be crucial as the Bobcats look to establish themselves as a force in the new conference.