The UTRGV Vaqueros men's basketball team made significant strides in the 2025-26 season, achieving back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1989-90. The team won 19 games, setting a program record with 14 wins in Southland Conference play, earning the No. 3 seed in the tournament. They reached as high as 115 in the KenPom rankings, the highest ever for the program. Key players including Jaylen Washington facilitated a strong offense, while the team recorded impressive defensive stats. Despite challenges, including losing a key player, the Vaqueros demonstrated resilience and marketable progress as they approached the new season.

By the Numbers
  • 19 total wins, the most since 2025.
  • 14 wins in Southland Conference play, establishing a program record.
State of Play
  • UTRGV is gaining recognition nationally, coming off the best two-season stretch in recent history.
  • The team has a solid foundation with multiple all-conference honorees and a deep rotation.
What's Next

Entering the 2026-27 season, expectations are high for UTRGV as they aim to build on the momentum from the previous year. The program has the potential to further develop talent and improve their tournament outcomes.

Bottom Line

The UTRGV men's basketball team's recent progress underscores their evolving competitiveness within college basketball, signaling a potential bright future as they look to establish themselves as a formidable program.