UTRGV opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season Monday at home against Texas A&M-Kingsville, with new head coach Brandon Chambers debuting a roster featuring 13 newcomers. The game is an exhibition for Division II TAMUK; UTRGV is coming off a 19-win season and a program-record 14 Southland Conference victories.

By the Numbers
  • Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. Monday at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
  • UTRGV leads the all-time series 18-12 and has won 8 straight matchups.
  • Last season: UTRGV went 19-14; TAMUK went 13-16.
  • UTRGV returns 2 players from last season; 13 newcomers are set to make their debuts.
Yes, But

TAMUK is a Division II opponent and the game is an exhibition for the Javelinas, so it won’t count toward their regular-season record. Both teams also feature heavily revamped rosters, making past results a limited guide to this matchup.

State of Play
  • UTRGV returns senior guard Luis Ramirez and redshirt senior guard Always Wright, and adds Power 4-experienced guards Devon Pryor and Jace Posey.
  • TAMUK brings 12 newcomers, alongside returning standouts Jadon Sautter and Bryce Smith.
  • The women’s opener against Arlington Baptist starts at 5 p.m.; one ticket admits fans to both games.
What’s Next

Chambers’ first game will offer an early look at how UTRGV’s new roster and athletic style come together. Fans unable to attend can watch on ESPN+ in the U.S. or Southland International abroad.

Bottom Line

UTRGV starts the season with home-court momentum and a strong historical edge, but the biggest question is how quickly its new-look team can translate last year’s success into this season.