2025–26 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team

2025–26 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball
Players Era Festival champions
Conference	Big Ten Conference
Ranking
Coaches	No. 1
AP	No. 1
Record	24–1 (14–1 Big Ten)
Head coach	Dusty May (2nd season)
Assistant coaches	Mike Boynton (2nd season) Justin Joyner (2nd season) Akeem Miskdeen (2nd season) Kyle Church (2nd season) Drew Williamson (2nd season)
Home arena	Crisler Center

The 2025–26 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team represents the University of Michigan during the 2025–26 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. It is the program's 110th season and 109th consecutive year as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Wolverines are led by second-year head coach Dusty May and play their home games at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The team won the 2025 Players Era Festival and was the fourth Michigan team to start a season 14–0.

The Wolverines finished the 2024–25 season with a 27–10 record, 14–6 in conference play to finish the regular season tied for second place. As the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten tournament, they defeated Purdue in the quarterfinal, Maryland in the semifinal, and Wisconsin in the final, winning their first Big Ten tournament championship since 2018.^[1] The Wolverines received the Big Ten’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament as the No. 5 seed in the South Region, where they defeated UC San Diego, and Texas A&M to advance to their sixth Sweet Sixteen in the last eight NCAA tournaments. In the regional semifinal, they lost to the No. 1 overall seed Auburn.^[2]

On March 24, 2025, guard Justin Pippen entered the NCAA transfer portal. He did not play or travel with the Wolverines in the postseason.^[3] Pippen transferred to the Cal Golden Bears.^[4] On March 31, forward Jace Howard entered the transfer portal after five seasons with Michigan and forward Sam Walters entered after one season with the program.^[5][6] Howard would transfer to the Fordham Rams and Walters to the SMU Mustangs.^[7][8] That same day, the Wolverines received their first transfer portal commitment from junior Elliot Cadeau, a point guard for the North Carolina Tar Heels. As a sophomore, Cadeau averaged 9.4 points per game and was second in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with 6.2 assists per game. He was a former five-star recruit in high school and started 68 games in his first two collegiate seasons.^[9] On April 1, point guard Tre Donaldson entered the transfer portal. He started all 37 games for the Wolverines in his lone season with the program.^[10] Donaldson would transfer to the Miami Hurricanes.^[11] That same day, Michigan received its second transfer portal commitment from sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. of the Illinois Fighting Illini. He started eight games as a freshman.^[12]

On April 5, the top-rated player in the transfer portal, forward Yaxel Lendeborg from the UAB Blazers, committed to the Wolverines as the third incoming transfer. He also entered the 2025 NBA draft process in addition to transferring. Last season Lendeborg became one of only two players in NCAA Division I history to record over 600 points, 400 rebounds and 150 assists in a single season, joining legend Larry Bird, and won the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year for a second consecutive season.^[13] He also led the NCAA with 26 double-doubles last season, averaging 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game.^[14] On April 9, guard Phat Phat Brooks entered the transfer portal, Michigan’s fifth player to do so.^[15] Brooks transferred to the Central Michigan Chippewas.^[16] On April 11, the Wolverines secured their fourth incoming transfer commitment, junior Aday Mara, a 7'3" Spanish center from the UCLA Bruins.^[17]

On April 16, junior power forward Danny Wolf announced he would forgo his remaining eligibility and declared for the 2025 NBA draft.^[18] On April 21, shooting guard Nimari Burnett announced he would return for his final season after being granted a sixth year of eligibility.^[19] On May 27, Lendeborg withdrew from the NBA draft and chose to play his final season of college basketball in Ann Arbor.^[20]

On October 18, 2024, Michigan landed its first class of 2025 recruit, Winters Grady of Prolific Prep in Napa, California. At the time of his commitment, the four-star Lake Oswego, Oregon native was ranked 83 in the 2025 national class by 247Sports.^[21] On October 23, Michigan received their second commitment from New Zealand native Oscar Goodman, who was the 2023 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship MVP and a 2024 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup All-Tournament first team selection.^[22][23] He was rated as a top 100, four-star player by On3, but unrated by 247Sports at the time of his commitment.^[24] On November 9, the Wolverines earned their third commitment from Flint, Michigan native and five-star guard from St. Mary's Preparatory, Trey McKenney. McKenney won a gold medal and started every game for the United States national team in the 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup in Argentina. At the time of his commitment, he was ranked as the No. 16 overall player in the country by ESPN and No. 19 in 247Sports’ composite rankings.^[25][26] All three players officially signed their national letter of intent during the early signing period in November 2024.^[27]

On January 7, 2025, Goodman enrolled early, joining the 2024–25 Michigan basketball team midseason.^[28] As a result of him graduating in November 2024, based on the New Zealand academic calendar, he would remain a member of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class. He used the season to redshirt and was limited to practice only.^[29] On January 27, McKenney was named a 2025 McDonald's All-American. He was the first Michigan signee to be selected since Moussa Diabaté, Caleb Houstan and Kobe Bufkin in 2021.^[30] On May 16, Michigan received their fourth commitment in the 2025 class from forward Ricky Liburd, whom flipped from his commitment to play for Coastal Carolina. He attended Sagemont School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.^[31] On June 13, the Wolverines received their fifth commitment from 7'1" center Malick Kordel from Oberhausen, Germany. He played for the Frankfurt Skyliners junior team before moving to the United States for college basketball at age 21.^[32]

College recruiting information

Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Trey McKenney G/F	Flint, Michigan	St. Mary's Preparatory	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	Nov 9, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    On3:    ESPN:    (89)
Winters Grady SF	Lake Oswego, Oregon	Prolific Prep	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	Oct 18, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    On3:    ESPN:    (82)
Oscar Goodman F	Ōpunake, New Zealand	New Plymouth	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	Oct 23, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (80)
Ricky Liburd SF	Fort Lauderdale, Florida	Sagemont School	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	May 16, 2025
	Recruit ratings: 247Sports:    On3:
Malick Kordel C	Oberhausen, Germany	Skyliners Juniors	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)	253 lb (115 kg)	Jun 13, 2025
	Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Overall recruit ranking:    247Sports: 29    On3: 35
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2025 Michigan Wolverines Recruiting Class". ESPN. "2025 Team Ranking". Rivals. "2025 Michigan Wolverines". 247Sports. "2025 Michigan Wolverines". On3.

College recruiting information (2026)
Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Lincoln Cosby F	Liberty Township, Ohio	Montverde Academy	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	Feb 10, 2026
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (90)
Quinn Costello PF	Boston, Massachusetts	The Newman School	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)	195 lb (88 kg)	Sep 16, 2025
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (89)
Joseph Hartman SG	Gainesville, Florida	The Rock School	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	193 lb (88 kg)	Oct 1, 2025
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (82)
Malachi Brown SF	Knoxville, Tennessee	Knoxville Catholic	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	Sep 24, 2025
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (79)
Marcus Moller C	Denmark	Unicaja-Andalucía Málaga	7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	Jul 8, 2025
	Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Overall recruit ranking:    247Sports: 4    On3: 26
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2026 Michigan Wolverines Recruiting Class". ESPN. "2026 Team Ranking". Rivals. "2026 Michigan Wolverines". 247Sports. "2026 Michigan Wolverines". On3.

On November 3, Michigan began the season with a 121–78 victory over Oakland, winning a 23rd consecutive season-opening game.^[33] For the first time in program history, seven Wolverines scored in double figures. Michigan was led by Morez Johnson Jr. with a career-high 24 points, while Aday Mara had 12 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks; his first double-double of the season. Five others scored in double figures, including freshman Trey McKenney scoring 21 points in his collegiate debut on 6-of-8 three-point shooting, Will Tschetter with 16 points, Nimari Burnett with 14 points, Yaxel Lendeborg added 12 points, and Roddy Gayle Jr. had 11 points. Elliot Cadeau added a career-high 14 assists in his debut.^[34] Michigan scored a program-record 69 points in the first half, shooting 71% from the field and surpassing the previous record of 66 points set in 1987 against Eastern Michigan. The 121 points were the most scored by the Wolverines since 1990 when they scored 127 against Iowa, and marked the sixth time in program history eclipsing 120 points in a game.^[35] The Wolverines finished shooting 64% from the field, tied a program-record with 19 made three-point shots (on 35 attempts: 54%), committed only eight turnovers, and had 55 bench points.^[36][33]

On November 11, Michigan defeated Wake Forest 85–84 in overtime during the Deacon-Wolverine Challenge at Little Caesars Arena. Michigan was led by Mara with 18 points, and career-highs 13 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks; his second double-double of the season. Cadeau had 17 points, a career-high eight rebounds, and seven assists, surpassing 200 career rebounds and 400 career assists. Gayle Jr. had 13 points, and Johnson Jr. added ten points and eight rebounds. With 13 rebounds, Mara surpassed 200 for his career.^[37] Michigan led by 13 at halftime, but started 0-for-12 on three-point attempts in the second half, allowing Wake Forest to tie the game and force overtime. Cadeau scored or assisted on all five of Michigan's overtime points.^[38]

On November 14, Michigan defeated TCU 67–63. Michigan was led by double-double performances from Lendeborg with 14 points and ten rebounds, and Johnson Jr. with ten points and 12 rebounds. McKenney scored 11 points and Gayle Jr. added ten points and six assists. With his ten rebounds, Lendeborg surpassed 800 in his NCAA Division I career.^[39][40]

On November 19, Michigan defeated Middle Tennessee 86–61. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with a game-high 25 points, and 12 rebounds, his second double-double of the season. Mara added ten points and ten rebounds off the bench, for his third double-double of the season, while Cadeau scored ten points. Tschetter added five points in his first start since March 13, 2024. Ten Wolverines scored during the game, with a season-high 13 players earning minutes. Michigan's defense forced 15 turnovers, the most by a Wolverines opponent in a game this season.^[41][42]

On November 24, Michigan defeated San Diego State 94–54 in the first game of the 2025 Players Era Festival. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with a game-high 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Five others scored in double figures, Johnson Jr. and Cadeau with 13 points each, Burnett and Gayle Jr. scored 11 points each, and Tschetter added ten points. Tschetter became the 76th Wolverine in program history to appear in 100 career games.^[43]

On November 25, Michigan defeated No. 21 Auburn 102–72 to advance to the championship game of the Players Era Festival. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Gayle Jr. added a season-high 17 points and six rebounds. Four others scored in double figures, Burnett and Johnson Jr. with 15 points each, McKenney scored 11 points and Cason added ten points. Michigan used a 21–4 run late in the first half to extend their lead to 29 points. Michigan shot 51.5% from the field, including 14 of 35 (40%) from three-point range.^[44] A season-high 11 players reached the scoresheet, including freshman Winters Grady scoring his first career points. The win marked Michigan's first NCAA-recognized 30-plus-point win over a power-four opponent since a 104–68 win against No. 3 Purdue on March 3, 1987. The Wolverines scored 100-plus points against a ranked opponent for the first time since defeating No. 6 Duke 113–108 on December 9, 1989.^[45]

On November 26, Michigan defeated No. 12 Gonzaga 101–61 to win the Players Era Festival championship. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with a game-high 20 points and 11 rebounds, his third double-double of the season, and was named tournament MVP. Four others scored in double figures, McKenney with 17 points, Burnett scored 14 points, Mara had 13 points, and Johnson Jr. added 11 points. Cadeau recorded 13 assists, tied for the seventh most in a single game in program history.^[46] The Wolverines won their three games by an average of 36.7 points. Michigan's 40 point win was Mark Few's worst loss in 902 games as Gonzaga's head coach, and the Bulldogs worst loss since losing 144–100 to Loyola Marymount in 1990. Gonzaga was held to 33.8% shooting from the floor, including 3-of-22 (13.6%) from three-point range.^[47] The win marked the highest margin of victory against an AP ranked opponent in program history, and was the first time in NCAA history that any team outscored AP ranked opponents by 30 or more points in consecutive games.^[48]

On December 6, Michigan opened the Big Ten Conference season against Rutgers, defeating the Scarlet Knights 101–60. Michigan was led by Johnson Jr. with a game-high 22 points. Five others scored in double figures, Lendeborg with 14 points, McKenney added 13 points, and Cadeau, Cason and Gayle Jr. scored 11 points each. Michigan shot 60% from the field and scored 22 of their first 24 points in the paint, and finished the game with a season-high 52 points in the paint.^[49] The Wolverines scored more than 100 points for the third consecutive game, marking the first time this has occurred since their National Championship season in 1989. Michigan's 41-point win was the fourth-largest margin of victory against a Big Ten team in program history.^[50]

On December 9, Michigan defeated Villanova 89–61. Michigan was led by Cadeau with 18 points, four assits and three rebounds. Mara added 11 points eight rebounds and two blocks, and McKenney scored ten points. The Wolverines went on an early 18–3 run, including scoring 15 straight points, in the first half and finished the half on a 12–0 run, to take a 30 point lead at halftime. Michigan's defense held Villanova to season lows in points (61), field-goal percentage (34 percent), and assists (six), while forcing a season-high 15 turnovers.^[51] Michigan became the only team since at least the 1995–96 season to win six straight games by at least 25 points with at least two of those victories against ranked opponents.^[52]

On December 13, Michigan defeated Maryland 101–83. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with 29 points, a career-high nine assists, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals, nearly posting a triple-double. Mara scored 18 points, Cason had a season-high 12 points, and Cadeau added 12 points and ten assists for a double-double. Maryland lost their leading scorer, Pharrel Payne, with 4:36 remaining in the first half. Michigan trailed 45–50 at halftime, and overcame a halftime deficit for the second time this season and the first since they beat TCU on November 14. An early second half nine-point defecit was the largest of the season to date. Michigan committed a season-low nine turnovers. With the win, Michigan improved to 10–0 to start the season for the sixth time in program history.^[53][54]

On December 21, Michigan defeated La Salle 102–50. Michigan was led by McKenney with 17 points, while Mara recorded 14 points and ten rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Three others scored in double figures, Cadeau added 14 points, Cason posted a season-high 13 points, and Johnson Jr. scored ten points. Michigan's defense allowed just four points in the paint and held La Salle to 20.8 percent shooting on two-point attempts. La Salle's 50 points were the fewest allowed by Michigan this season.^[55]

On December 29, Michigan defeated McNeese 112–71. Michigan was led by Johnson Jr. with a career-high tying 24 points and 11 rebounds, for his second double-double of the season. Five others scored in double figures, Lendeborg added 16 points and eight rebounds, Mara and McKenney had 13 points each, Burnett had 12 points, and Gayle Jr. added ten points. Michigan made more free throws (31) than McNeese made field goals (23). The game marked Michigan's third consecutive 100-point game, tying the program record for consecutive 100-point games for the second time this season. The win also marked the sixth victory of 40 points or more this season, the most in Big Ten history. The 2025–26 team joins the 1989–90 and 1965–66 teams with seven 100-point games, tied for fourth most in program history. With the win, Michigan improved to 12–0 to start the season for the fourth time in program history, and are off to their best start since they opened the 2018–19 season with a program record 17–0.^[56][57]

On January 2, Michigan defeated No. 24 USC 96–66. Michigan was led by Johnson Jr. with a new career-high 29-points, and six rebounds. Four others scored in double figures, Gayle Jr. had 12 points, and Cason, McKenney and Tschetter added ten points each off the bench. Michigan's starting guard Burnett was helped from the court with 16:25 left after falling during a battle under the basket, and didn't return. Michigan became the first team in the AP Poll era to defeat three consecutive ranked opponents by at least 30 points. Michigan was in the bonus before USC scored. Michigan's defense held USC to four assists during the game, the eighth time they've held their opponent to single-digit assists this season.^[58][59]

On January 6, Michigan defeated Penn State 74–72. Michigan was led by Cason with a career-high 14 points. Three others scored in double figures, Burnett and McKenney scored 12 points each, and Lendeborg added ten points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Michigan led by as many as 13 points heading into the under-16 minute timeout. Penn State used a 12–0 run to reduce Michigan's lead to three points, as Michigan had a nearly four minute scoring drought. Mara made a free throw with 15 seconds to go, the first Michigan points since the 3:09 mark, and the defense forced a contested desperation Penn State three-point shot that bounced off the rim to secure the victory.^[60]

On January 10, Michigan lost their first game of the season to Wisconsin, 88–91. Michigan was led by Cadeau with 19 points, Johnson Jr. scored 18 points, Lendeborg added 14 points and six rebounds, and Burnett had ten points. Scoring nine points, Gayle Jr. surpassed 500 career points as a Wolverine. With Michigan down two points in the final minute of the game, a potential game-tying put-back by Mara was waved off for goaltending. Wisconsin went on to convert one-of-two free throws on their final possession to extend their lead to three points before Michigan missed a game-tying three-point attempt as time expired. Michigan finished the game going 1-for-10 from the field in the final four minutes. This marked the fourth time in program history the Wolverines had won at least 14 straight games before their first loss.^[61][62]

On January 14, Michigan defeated Washington 82–72. Michigan was led by Mara with 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting with three blocks. Johnson Jr. had 16 points and a career-high 16 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Lendeborg added 14 points and seven rebounds. The trio combined for 50 of the team's 82 points and 40 of the team's 50 points in the paint. Michigan entered the game averaging 43.1 paint points per game, which led the Big Ten. With seven points in the game, Burnett surpassed 1,000-career points.^[63]

On January 17, Michigan defeated Oregon 81–71. Michigan was led by Cadeau with 17 points and five assists. Two others scored in double figures, Burnett added 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block, and Mara had 12 points, three assists and three blocks. Michigan trailed 40–41 at halftime, its third halftime deficit of the season. Michigan shot 60 percent from the field in the second half to secure victory. With the win, Michigan became one of two Big Ten teams undefeated against West Coast opponents since conference expansion, improving to 6–0 with four road wins.^[64]

On January 20, Michigan defeated Indiana 86–72. Michigan was led by Cadeau with a season-high tying 19 points. Three others scored in double figures, Lendeborg with 15 points and seven rebounds, Mara had 13 points and McKenney added ten points. With seven points in the game, Tschetter surpassed 600 career points. Michigan led by as many as 23 points in the second half, before enduring a field-goal drought lasting more than seven minutes, which ended with a Lendeborg alley-oop following an Indiana turnover with 3:55 remaining. Michigan scored 12 points at the free-throw line during their field-goal drought to remain in the lead. The Wolverines finished the half with 21 of their final 36 points coming from the free-throw line.^[65]

On January 23, Michigan defeated Ohio State in their rivalry game 74–62. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Three others scored in double figures, Johnson Jr. and McKenney scored 12 points each, and Mara added 11 points and six rebounds. The game featured 12 lead changes, and remained within two possessions until the 6:30 mark of the second half, when the Wolverines pulled ahead by double digits.^[66][67] During a halftime ceremony Michigan honored Trey Burke raising his No. 3 jersey to the rafters, becoming the sixth honored jersey in program history.^[68]

On January 27, Michigan defeated No. 5 Nebraska 75–72. Michigan was led by Johnson Jr. with 17 points and 12 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Three others scored in double figures, McKenney with 11 points and Lendeborg and Mara added ten points each. Michigan trailed for more than 36 minutes but closed the game on a late 6–0 run to secure the comeback win. Michigan held Nebraska to 22 second-half points, the third-lowest total allowed by Michigan in a half this season. The victory marked Michigan's first AP Top 5 Big Ten win since February 10, 2022, when the Wolverines upset No. 3 Purdue.^[69] The Wolverines handed the Cornhuskers their first loss of the season, and ended their 24 game winning streak dating back to the previous season. This was the longest winning streak in NCAA Division I since the 2014–15 Kentucky Wildcats went 38–0 before losing to Wisconsin in the Final Four.^[70]

On January 30, Michigan defeated No. 7 Michigan State in their in-state rivalry game 83–71. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with 26 points and 12 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Three others scored in double figures, Cadeau with 17 points, Johnson Jr. had 12 points, and McKenney added ten points. Michigan State missed 14 of their first 18 shots, and finished the first half with more turnovers (11) than field goals (seven). After leading by as many as 18 points late in the first half, Michigan State went on a 13–2 run, cutting Michigan's lead to three points early in the second half.^[71] The Spartans took their first lead of the game with 7:27 left in the game. The Wolverines finished the game on a 26–12 run over the final seven minutes to secure the victory. Michigan's defense held Michigan State to 26 points in the first half, its lowest total in an opening half this season. The win marked Michigan's first victory at the Breslin Center since January 13, 2018. The win also marked the first time Michigan has defeated consecutive opponents ranked in the Associated Press top-ten since defeating No. 6 North Carolina and No. 8 Gonzaga at the Battle 4 Atlantis in November 2019. With the win, Michigan improved to 20–1 to start the season, tying the 2012–13 and 2018–19 teams for the best starts in program history.^[72]

On February 5, Michigan defeated Penn State 110–69. Michigan was led by Burnett with a career-high 31 points, including seven three-pointers. Four others scored in doubles figures, Cason, McKenney and Johnson Jr. had 12 points each, and Mara added 11 points and a career-high six blocks. Burnett became the first Wolverine to make seven or more three-pointers at Crisler Center since Aubrey Dawkins on March 7, 2015. The Wolverines held a 56–24 lead at halftime, after shooting 66% from the field. This marked their highest-scoring first half of the season. Michigan's 41-point margin of victory was tied for the sixth-largest against a Big Ten opponent in program history. Michigan became the first team since the 1987–88 team to score 100 or more points against multiple conference opponents in the same season.^[73] Michigan finished with 100-plus points for the eighth time and won by 40-plus points for the eighth time this season.^[74] With the win, Michigan improved to 21–1 to start the season, setting a record for the best start in program history.^[75]

On February 8, Michigan defeated Ohio State 82–61 in the rivalry rematch. Michigan was led by Mara with a career-high 24 points, a career-best 11 made field goals and the first two made three-pointers of his collegiate career. Mara became the third NCAA Division I 7-foot-3-inch (2.2 m) player to record a three point shot this season and the fourth to make multiple threes in a game since the 2002–03 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.^[76] Lendeborg had 14 point and a season-high 14 rebounds, while Johnson added 11 points and 12 rebounds.^[77][78] The last time Michigan had two players achieve double-doubles in the same game was Mara and Lendeborg on November 19, 2025, against Middle Tennessee. McKenney added 12 points off the bench.^[79] It was the widest margin of victory for Michigan in Columbus since a 90–66 February 9, 1976 win by the 1975–76 team.^[78] It marks the first sweep by two double digit margins for either team since 2003 and the highest combined margin of victory (+33) in a sweep by Michigan since the national championship team of 1988–89.^[79]

On February 11, Michigan defeated Northwestern 87–75. Michigan was led by Cason with career-highs of 18 points and four steals, while Lendeborg added 15 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.^[80][81] Three others scored in double figures, Mara, McKenney and Johnson Jr. scored 12 points each. Michigan trailed by nine points at halftime and as many as 16 points early in the second half. From the 14:00 mark on, Northwestern shot 3-for-14, while Michigan went 11-for-12, completing a 23–4 run for the come-from-behind victory. Michigan scored on 21 straight possessions during the comeback.^[82] Lendeborg became the first Wolverine to have double-doubles in consecutive regular-season games since Hunter Dickinson during the 2022–23 season. The victory was the 50th for head coach Dusty May in 61 games, becoming the second-fastest to reach the milestone in the Big Ten since 2002.^[83]

On February 14, Michigan defeated UCLA 86–56. Michigan was led by Lendeborg with 17 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Three others scored in double figures, Johnson Jr. scored 15 points, Cason added 13 points off the bench, and Burnett had 12 points. Michigan held a two-point lead at halftime, and scored on nine straight shots to open the second half on a 19–7 scoring run to secure the victory.^[84] The 30-point win against UCLA marks the largest margin of victory against the Bruins in program history. UCLA was held to 18 points in the second half, the lowest-point total scored in a half by any conference opponent this season.^[85] After the game on February 16th, Michigan moved up to #1 in the AP Poll for the first time since 2013.