UConn to Face Michigan for National Championship

Tarris Reed Jr. looks to lead UConn to third straight title against his former team

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:51am

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UConn and Michigan will face off in the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game on Monday night. UConn is seeking its third straight national title, while Michigan is led by former UConn player Tarris Reed Jr., who transferred from Michigan two years ago. Reed has been a key contributor for the Huskies this season, and the matchup against his former team adds an intriguing personal storyline to the championship game.

Why it matters

The game features the potential for an emotional reunion between Reed and his former Michigan teammates, as well as the opportunity for UConn to cement its dynasty with a third consecutive national championship. The transfer portal has made these types of matchups more common in college basketball, adding an extra layer of drama and intrigue to the biggest game of the season.

The details

Reed, a 6-foot-11, 265-pound forward, initially chose to transfer from Michigan to UConn two years ago after hearing that two 7-footers were joining the Wolverines' roster. He felt his playing time would be limited, so he sought a fresh start with the Huskies. After a somewhat rocky transition in his first season at UConn, Reed has blossomed this year, earning first-team All-Big East honors and leading the Huskies to the national championship game. In the tournament, he has been dominant, recording a career-high 31 points and 27 rebounds in the first round against Furman.

  • Reed transferred from Michigan to UConn two years ago.
  • This will be Reed's final college basketball game.

The players

Tarris Reed Jr.

A 6-foot-11, 265-pound forward who transferred from Michigan to UConn two years ago and has been a key contributor for the Huskies this season, earning first-team All-Big East honors.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who recruited Reed to Michigan and was confident he could find a way to make Reed and another 7-footer work together on the roster.

Danny Wolf

A player who transferred to Michigan, further complicating the frontcourt situation and leading Reed to decide to leave the program.

Nimari Burnett

Reed's former teammate at Michigan, who faced his former team in the Sweet 16 this year while playing for Alabama.

Kylan Boswell

An Illinois guard who could have faced his former team, Arizona, in the national championship game if the semifinal results had been reversed.

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What they’re saying

“We're just chopping it up and talking a little bit, but like I said it's the national championship on the line. It's not personal. We know it's just competing for the best outcome of our team.”

— Tarris Reed Jr., UConn Forward

“Tarris had heard that Vlad (Goldin) was probably going to be coming with us. So he came in, and I talked to his parents, and I talked to everyone around him and he basically said, 'Coach, I know Vlad is coming with you. Do you think you can make that work?' I said, 'Tarris, you both are really good; it won't be easy. We haven't played like that before. But I'm very confident that because of both your skill sets and talent we can figure it out.'”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

“It's really improved since he's been on a tear. Now we're best friends. But I've been saying that, go back six weeks, go back two months, go back three months, our season is going to be determined by what Tarris Reed does, which Tarris Reed we get, does the light switch go on for Tarris Reed.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“He's always been just a happy person, someone who is always joyful of the moment and just a joyful teammate even during that time, that year where things weren't as happy (at Michigan), he brought joy. He brought enthusiasm. He's just a great person, and we also have similar beliefs and faith. So I have a good connection with him.”

— Nimari Burnett, Alabama Forward

What’s next

The winner of Monday night's national championship game between UConn and Michigan will be crowned the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion.

The takeaway

This championship matchup between UConn and Michigan features an intriguing personal storyline with Tarris Reed Jr. facing his former team. Reed's journey from Michigan to UConn, where he has blossomed into a star, adds an extra layer of drama to the biggest game of the college basketball season. Regardless of the outcome, Reed's growth and resilience have been inspiring, and his performance will be a key factor in determining the national champion.