Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV to Miss Key Game Against Oklahoma

Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV will miss Wednesday’s game against No. 17 Oklahoma, marking the first conference game absence of his career. The announcement came via the Southeastern Conference‘s mandatory availability report, a new initiative aimed at increasing transparency in college sports.

Taylor, who averages 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, left the court during Saturday’s win over Texas but returned to finish the game with 13 points. Earlier this season, he missed a game against Houston Christian due to an injury sustained against Purdue. “I didn’t like it at all,” said head coach Buzz Williams about Taylor’s previous absence. “We’re very reliant on his talent, for sure, but his leadership is as good as I’ve been around in my career.”

Transfer guard Zhuric Phelps and guard Manny Obaseki are expected to fill Taylor’s role. The 10th-ranked Aggies (12-2, 1-0) will face the Sooners (13-1, 0-1) at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Oklahoma’s Lloyd Noble Center. Oklahoma has no players listed on their availability report.

This season marks the first year of mandatory injury reporting in the SEC, a rule adopted to address concerns related to sports gambling. Reports are released the night before conference games and again 90 minutes before tip-off. Williams has rarely disclosed injury updates in the past due to betting concerns but has expressed compliance with the new rules. “We’re going to do exactly what we’re supposed to do,” he said.

The Aggies enter the game ranked No. 17 in NET and No. 12 in KenPom, while Oklahoma ranks 47th in NET and 45th in KenPom. Texas A&M leads the nation in free-throw percentage (80.9%) and rebound margin (11.5). The Sooners hold a 32-10 series lead over the Aggies, including a 15-3 record in Norman.

Oklahoma is also dealing with injuries, as transfer players Rivaldo Soares and John Hugley IV continue to rehab. The game will air on SEC Network at 8 p.m. Wednesday, with streaming options available for viewers.