Michigan Sets New School Record for Best Start

Wolverines coach Dusty May proud of team's historic 21-1 start to season

Feb. 6, 2026 at 1:31am

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The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team clinched the best start in school history on Thursday, improving to 21-1 on the season and 11-1 in Big Ten play after a 110-69 blowout win over Penn State. Head coach Dusty May expressed pride in his team for setting a new standard and bar for the storied Michigan basketball program.

Why it matters

Michigan has long been one of the most successful college basketball programs, with numerous NCAA tournament appearances, Final Four runs, and NBA draft picks. Setting a new school record for best start to a season is a significant milestone that highlights the current team's excellence and the continued strength of the Wolverines' basketball tradition.

The details

In the win over Penn State, sophomore guard Nimari Burnett scored a career-high 31 points, including 7 three-pointers, to lead Michigan. Aday Mara added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Coach Dusty May, in his fourth season at the helm, said the players were motivated to set the new school record, respecting the program's history and legacy.

  • Michigan clinched the best start in school history on February 6, 2026 with a 21-1 record.
  • The Wolverines have won 7 straight games and are 11-1 in Big Ten conference play.

The players

Dusty May

The 49-year-old head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, who is in his fourth season leading the program.

Nimari Burnett

A sophomore guard for Michigan who scored a career-high 31 points in the win over Penn State.

Aday Mara

A player for Michigan who contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 blocks in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“I started thinking about all the great teams and players who have played here and coaches who have coached here. Wow, that's a heck of an honor.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“Obviously, it's not our ultimate goal for February or whatever day it is, but it's pretty cool to be setting new standards and new bars.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

What’s next

The Wolverines will look to continue their historic start as they continue Big Ten conference play, with their next game scheduled for February 11th against rival Michigan State.

The takeaway

Michigan's record-setting start to the 2025-26 season is a testament to the program's enduring excellence and the current team's ability to uphold the Wolverines' proud basketball tradition. This milestone highlights the team's focus and determination as they pursue their ultimate goal of winning a national championship.