Michigan’s men’s basketball team will begin the 2026‑27 season at home, opening against Oakland on November 3 at Crisler Center. The matchup marks the third straight year the two in‑state programs have met, continuing a series that has favored the Wolverines.
Renewed rivalry with Oakland
The Wolverines hold a 9‑1 edge in the all‑time series and are 7‑0 when the game takes place in Ann Arbor. Their most recent meeting was a 121‑78 rout last season, while a charity exhibition two years ago also ended in Michigan’s favor.
A new challenge: William & Mary
On November 15, Michigan will host the College of William & Mary for the first time ever. The Tribe finished the previous season at 20‑12 and ranked among the nation’s leaders in possession length, tempo and assist rate.
A demanding non‑conference slate
Michigan’s schedule also includes contests against UConn, Marquette, Duke, Villanova and Creighton, and the team will travel to the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week to open against Creighton.
Financial incentives and logistical notes
Michigan will pay Oakland and William & Mary each $90,000 for the contests, a figure that reflects the growing financial stakes of early‑season matchups. The games will be held at Crisler Center, a venue that shares the cityscape with Little Caesars Arena, a longtime hub for basketball in Detroit.
Coaching perspectives
Head coach Dusty May expressed confidence in the team’s depth, while associate head coach Greg Kampe highlighted the importance of early chemistry. Veteran staffer Mike Boynton Jr. and assistant Brian Earl have also been active in scouting the non‑conference field.
Looking ahead
With a demanding slate that includes high‑profile venues and televised tournaments, the Wolverines aim to use the non‑conference games as a springboard toward Big Ten competition. Analysts at KenPom project the schedule as one of the most challenging in the nation, a factor that could influence NCAA tournament seeding.