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East Lansing Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan Basketball Poised for National Title Run
Analyst breaks down why the Wolverines have all the pieces to win it all
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The second-ranked Michigan Wolverines have the size, experience, depth, and two-way play to make a run at the national championship, according to college basketball analyst Andy Katz. Despite a brutal schedule ahead, Michigan has shown the ability to overcome adversity and get contributions from a deep roster, leading Katz to believe they will be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Why it matters
Michigan has not won a national title since 2000, the last time the Big Ten Conference claimed the championship. The Wolverines' quest to end that drought and bring the trophy back to the Midwest would be a significant accomplishment for the program and the conference.
The details
Katz was impressed by Michigan's come-from-behind victory over Northwestern, where the Wolverines rallied from 16 points down in the second half. He highlighted the team's interior defense, led by Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, and Aday Mara, as well as the balanced scoring attack that allows the Wolverines to withstand foul trouble or off nights from individual players.
- On Wednesday, Michigan overcame a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat Northwestern.
- The Wolverines will likely be the No. 1 team in the country when the new rankings are released on Monday.
The players
Dusty May
The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who has built a deep, talented, and selfless roster.
Nimari Burnett
A key guard for the Wolverines who has had to deal with foul trouble at times this season.
Trey McKenney
A Michigan guard who has stepped up off the bench to provide scoring when needed.
What they’re saying
“I could not be more impressed with the Wolverines for a number of reasons. First off, they had to deal with adversity. They were down 16 in the second half and they ended up winning by 12. They just overwhelmed (Northwestern).”
— Andy Katz, College basketball analyst (NCAA Men's Final Four)
“This season, how are you going to get three different big guys to play together, interchange, and be okay with it? And what's so amazing about this Michigan team, which, as long as they take care of business against UCLA, will be the number one team in the country on Monday. Will likely be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament come March Madness, despite a brutal schedule still to come.”
— Andy Katz, College basketball analyst (NCAA Men's Final Four)
What’s next
If Michigan can defeat UCLA in their upcoming matchup, they will likely be ranked as the new No. 1 team in the country when the next set of rankings is released on Monday.
The takeaway
Michigan has all the tools to end the Big Ten's national title drought, with a deep, balanced roster and a coach who has instilled a selfless, team-first mentality. As long as they can navigate a challenging schedule, the Wolverines appear poised to be the team to beat come March Madness.
