Michigan and UConn Battle for NCAA Men's Basketball Title

Wolverines and Huskies set to clash in national championship game on Monday night

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Michigan Wolverines and UConn Huskies will face off in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game on Monday, April 6th at 8:50 PM ET in Indianapolis. Michigan is looking to end the Big Ten's national title drought, while UConn aims for its third championship in four years under head coach Dan Hurley.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of college basketball's premier programs, with Michigan seeking its first national title since 2018 and UConn looking to cement its status as a modern-day dynasty. The health of Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg will be a key factor, as he battles a knee injury sustained in the Final Four.

The details

Michigan advanced to the title game by routing No. 1 seed Arizona in the Final Four, while UConn defeated several top contenders en route to its third championship game appearance in four seasons. The Huskies are led by a talented trio of Alex Karaban, Braylon Mullins, and former Michigan forward Tarris Reed Jr., setting up an intriguing individual matchup with Wolverines big man Aday Mara.

  • The national championship game tips off at 8:50 PM ET on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Michigan last reached the title game in 2018.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

The Big Ten Player of the Year for Michigan, dealing with a knee injury sustained in the Final Four.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, leading the program to its third national championship game in four seasons.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A former Michigan forward now starring for UConn, part of the Huskies' talented trio of players the Wolverines must stop.

Aday Mara

The standout big man for Michigan, set to matchup with former teammate Tarris Reed Jr. in the title game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'll be ready to go on Monday. Just need to get some rest and treatment over the next couple days.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Player

“We've worked hard all season for this moment. Time to finish the job and bring home another championship to Storrs.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

Michigan and UConn will take the court at 8:50 PM ET on Monday, April 6th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to determine the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion.

The takeaway

This national championship matchup pits two of college basketball's blue bloods against each other, with Michigan seeking to end the Big Ten's title drought and UConn aiming to cement its status as a modern dynasty under Dan Hurley. The health of Yaxel Lendeborg will be a key factor, as the Wolverines look to dethrone the Huskies' talented trio of Tarris Reed Jr., Alex Karaban, and Braylon Mullins.