Texas State basketball is weirdly addictive if you’ve spent any time at Strahan Arena. It’s not just about the wins or the maroon-and-gold pom-poms; it’s the sheer volatility of the Sun Belt Conference. Honestly, if you’re looking at the texas state basketball schedule right now, you’re probably trying to figure out if this team is a dark horse or just treading water.
The 2025-2026 season has been a rollercoaster. One night, they're blowing the doors off a non-conference opponent, and the next, they're locked in a triple-overtime slugfest that leaves everyone in San Marcos exhausted. It’s classic Terrence Johnson basketball: gritty, defensive-minded, and occasionally stressful to watch.
The Remaining Men’s Schedule: The Gauntlet Begins
We are officially in the thick of it. The non-conference slate—which saw the Bobcats pick up solid wins against UTSA (80-69) and Texas Southern (77-67)—is in the rearview mirror. Now, the Sun Belt schedule is where things get messy.
January is the month that usually defines this program. The Bobcats just wrapped up a tough road trip to Arkansas State, and the schedule doesn't get any easier. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Ragin' Cajuns from Louisiana come to town for an 8:00 PM EST tip-off. That’s a "Kids Game" promotion night, so expect Strahan to be loud and a little chaotic.
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Following that, Southern Miss visits on Saturday, January 17. The Golden Eagles have been a problem in the standings lately, so this 4:30 PM matchup is basically a "must-win" if Texas State wants to stay in the upper half of the conference.
Then comes the "Eastern Swing." This is the part of the texas state basketball schedule that coaches hate. The team travels to Coastal Carolina on January 22 and James Madison on January 24. Flying across time zones to play in Harrisonburg is never fun, especially when the Dukes are playing well.
The month closes out back at home with Marshall on January 28 and Old Dominion on January 31. The Marshall game is the "Bobcats Blackout," and if you’ve never seen Strahan when everyone is wearing black, it’s a vibe.
Key Matchups to Watch
- February 7 vs. Western Michigan: This is part of the MAC-SBC Challenge. These games are huge for the conference’s overall NET ranking.
- February 11 vs. Troy: The Trojans are currently sitting near the top of the West Division. This Wednesday night game at 7:00 PM will be a defensive battle.
- February 27 vs. App State: The regular-season finale. It’s Senior Day. Expect emotions to be high and the seeding for the Pensacola tournament to be on the line.
What’s Happening with the Women’s Team?
Don't sleep on the women's texas state basketball schedule either. They’ve had some big moments this year, including a dominant 93-52 win over Prairie View A&M and a gritty conference win against Louisiana (62-55) back in December.
They just faced a brutal road trip to James Madison and Troy. Now, they return to San Marcos for a heavy home stretch. On January 14, they host Southern Miss at 11:00 AM—the traditional "School Day" game. If you're sensitive to high-pitched screaming from thousands of elementary students, maybe skip this one, but the energy is undeniably cool.
They also have home dates against Troy on January 17 and App State on January 21. Seeing how they handle the Troy press will tell us everything we need to know about their potential in the Sun Belt tournament.
The Roster: Who Is Making the Plays?
You can’t talk about the schedule without talking about who’s actually on the floor. Kaden Gumbs has been the engine for the men's team. The junior guard is a blur in transition, and his ability to get to the rim has bailed the Bobcats out of plenty of scoring droughts.
In the frontcourt, Makai Willis and Tay Knox provide the muscle. Watching Knox defend the rim is a lesson in timing. He isn't always the leading scorer, but his impact on the texas state basketball schedule is felt every time an opponent thinks twice about driving the lane.
On the women's side, it's been about collective defense. They might not have one person dropping 30 a night, but they’ll hold you to 40% shooting and make every possession a chore.
Navigating the Sun Belt Tournament
Everything leads to Pensacola. The Sun Belt Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships run from March 3 to March 9, 2026.
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The way the conference is structured, the top four seeds get a massive advantage with a double-bye. Right now, Texas State is hovering around the middle of the pack. To get that bye, they probably need to go at least 6-2 in their final eight games.
It’s a tall order. The Sun Belt is deep this year. Teams like Southern Miss and Arkansas State are playing at a high level, and there are no "gimme" games on the road. Basically, if you aren't locked in for 40 minutes, you’re going to lose.
Real Talk: Why Attendance Matters
Look, San Marcos is a great town, but sometimes the student section can be hit or miss depending on the weather or what’s happening on The Square. But when Strahan is packed, it’s one of the toughest places to play in mid-major basketball.
The school has been pushing "Maroon Madness" and "Greek Night" to get bodies in seats. If you’re a fan, the late January stretch of the texas state basketball schedule is the best time to go. The weather is usually decent, and the stakes are high.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mid-Major Schedules
A lot of casual fans think the non-conference "buy games" against Power 4 schools like Texas A&M are the most important. They aren't. While the 70-104 loss to A&M earlier this year looks bad on paper, it doesn't actually hurt the Bobcats' chances of making the NCAA Tournament.
In the Sun Belt, only one thing matters: winning the conference tournament in March. The regular-season schedule is just a long, grueling dress rehearsal for three days in Florida.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the team through the end of the season, here’s how to do it right:
- Download the TXST App: The schedule changes. Times get flexed for TV (ESPN+). Don't be the person who shows up an hour late because the tip-off moved from 7:00 to 6:00.
- Watch the NET Rankings: If you care about postseason play beyond the Sun Belt, keep an eye on where Texas State sits in the NCAA NET rankings. Wins against "Quad 1" or "Quad 2" teams (like Marshall or James Madison) are gold.
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Especially for the "Blackout" game against Marshall on January 28. Those lower-level seats go fast.
- Check the Weather for Pensacola: If you’re planning to travel for the tournament in March, start looking at hotels now. The Pensacola Bay Center area fills up quickly when 14 fanbases descend on the city.
The texas state basketball schedule is more than just a list of dates. It's a grind. Whether you're watching Kaden Gumbs slice through a zone or cheering on the women's team as they scrap for a rebound, this season is proof that San Marcos is a basketball town at heart. Just be prepared for some late nights and a lot of Maroon and Gold.