Michigan opens its 2026-27 season and national title defense against Oakland on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET at Crisler Center. Mike Boynton Jr., formerly of Oklahoma State, makes his debut as head coach, succeeding Dusty May. The game airs on Big Ten Network.
Oakland visits No. 16 Michigan on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan opens its 2026-27 season against Oakland, beginning its national title defense. Both teams enter the game 0-0, and it airs on Big Ten Network.
A new coach in Ann Arbor
Mike Boynton Jr., formerly of Oklahoma State, is Michigan's new head coach, succeeding Dusty May. Boynton is making his debut as Michigan head coach in the opener against Oakland. Michigan's coaching staff added two offensive minds and former head coaches, Mike Martin and Dylan Murphy.
Michigan's roster
Michigan lost a trio of starters who all became lottery picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Michigan's most talented incoming freshman, Brandon McCoy Jr., is out for the season with a torn ACL. Elliot Cadeau was the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, and Roddy Gayle Jr. has been granted a fifth season by a judge. Cadeau and Trey McKenney were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. McKenney hit the game-sealing 3-pointer in Michigan's national title win over UConn last April and was the sixth man last season.
Expectations and the opponent
Michigan is projected to finish third in the Big Ten this season. Last season it was picked second, then won the conference by four games and the NCAA Tournament. Oakland added forwards Belal El Shakery from New Hampshire and Chris Fields Jr. from Campbell.
