The Michigan Wolverines won their first national championship since 1989 last season after going 37-3 for the campaign. However, it was followed by the departure of Dusty May to the Dallas Mavericks, and the loss of several first team stars.

As a result, they will start at No. 16 in the AP Poll Top 25 Poll for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Mike Boynton Jr. Michigan entered last season ranked No. 7 in the preseason poll before climbing to No. 1 after their championship run. Florida leads at No. 1, followed by Duke at No. 2 and Illinois at No. 3. UConn, Arizona and Michigan State round out the top six, while Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Houston, Louisville, Arkansas, St. John's, Miami and Gonzaga occupy the. 7-15 positions.

The Wolverines have senior guard Elliot Cadeau as the only returning starter from last season's championship team. Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. have all departed to the NBA, and Trey McKenney expected to play a big role in the coming season.

Both have been exceptional in the exhibition games for the Wolverines this season are expected to be the leading scorers in the coming campaign.The Wolverines have also moved actively in the transfer portal.

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Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam led the Big 12 in blocks during his freshman season. He is a major presence in the paint while being a reliable three-point shooter and is expected to form the core alongside Cadeau and McKenney.

Michigan lost freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. to a torn ACL. However, Roddy Gayle Jr.’s return is expected to solve part of the problem, and the Wolverines may end up surprising many next season.