Michigan Earns No. 1 Seed, First Round Game Time Set

Wolverines to face First Four winner in NCAA Tournament opener

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. They will open their tournament run on Thursday, March 19th at 7:10 p.m. ET, facing the winner of the First Four matchup between UMBC and Howard.

Why it matters

Michigan's strong regular season and conference tournament performance has secured them a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, giving them an advantageous path to the Final Four. The Wolverines will look to capitalize on their high seeding and make a deep run in the tournament.

The details

After falling to Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament championship game, Michigan (31-3) earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. They will open the tournament against the winner of the First Four game between UMBC and Howard, with the winner of that matchup advancing to face the Wolverines on Thursday night in Buffalo, New York.

  • Michigan's first round game is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 7:10 p.m. ET.
  • If Michigan wins their opening game, they would return to the court on Saturday for the Round of 32.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The men's basketball team from the University of Michigan, who earned a No. 1 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament after a 31-3 regular season.

Purdue Boilermakers

The men's basketball team from Purdue University, who defeated Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament championship game.

UMBC

The men's basketball team from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, who will face Howard in a First Four matchup with the winner advancing to play Michigan.

Howard

The men's basketball team from Howard University, who will face UMBC in a First Four matchup with the winner advancing to play Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must be ready to face whichever team emerges from the First Four. Our focus is on playing our best basketball and advancing in the tournament.”

— Juwan Howard, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines (Detroit Sports Nation)

What’s next

If Michigan wins their first round game, they would return to the court on Saturday, March 21st for the Round of 32.

The takeaway

Michigan's No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region sets them up for a favorable path to the Final Four, but they must first get past the winner of the UMBC-Howard First Four matchup in their tournament opener.