Michigan MBB Secures Big Ten Regular Season Title

Wolverines can clinch outright championship with one more win

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:41pm

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The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team clinched at least a share of the Big Ten regular season championship with a 77-67 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Tuesday night. Head coach Dusty May acknowledged the team's celebration, but emphasized the need to stay focused on their remaining games, including a crucial matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday.

Why it matters

Michigan's win puts them in prime position to win the Big Ten title outright, a significant accomplishment that would bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. However, the team still has work to do, with tough games against Illinois and Michigan State remaining on the schedule.

The details

The Wolverines secured the victory over Minnesota despite not playing their best, according to coach May. Michigan now turns its attention to a Friday night showdown against Illinois, which is still in contention for the Big Ten title itself. The Illini are 13-2 at home this season and will be looking to knock off the third-ranked Wolverines, who have struggled against Illinois in recent years.

  • The Michigan Wolverines clinched at least a share of the Big Ten regular season title on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Michigan will face the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The men's basketball team from the University of Illinois, who will host Michigan on Friday night.

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What they’re saying

“I'm fine with them celebrating. Yeah, I'm OK with them celebrating. Hopefully, it's not after hours, and we're getting the rest. We have a quick turn, but it's hard for us as a staff. We're so process-oriented. We want to feel good about the way we competed, the way we performed, the way we executed the processes of leading up to the game. And we didn't at our best tonight. And so it's a learning lesson.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

What’s next

If the Wolverines win one of their remaining regular-season games, they will clinch the Big Ten title outright.

The takeaway

Michigan's victory over Minnesota puts them in prime position to win the Big Ten regular season championship, but the team must remain focused on their upcoming games against tough opponents like Illinois and Michigan State to secure the title.