Michigan's Will Tschetter Emotional After Reaching First Final Four

The fifth-year senior forward has been through ups and downs in Ann Arbor.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw energy and emotion of a basketball player celebrating a major victory.An emotional Will Tschetter revels in Michigan's hard-fought journey to the Final Four, a moment of pure basketball joy.Buffalo Today

Michigan senior forward Will Tschetter was overcome with emotion after the Wolverines defeated Tennessee to advance to the Final Four for the first time in his college career. Tschetter has been with the program through a coaching change and multiple Big Ten titles, Sweet 16 appearances, and now the program's first Final Four berth since 2018.

Why it matters

Tschetter's journey exemplifies the perseverance and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of college basketball. His emotional reaction highlights the personal significance of reaching this milestone after five years of hard work with the program.

The details

Tschetter was recruited by former head coach Juwan Howard and joined the Wolverines in the 2021-22 season, when he redshirted. He remained with the program when Dusty May took over as head coach in 2024-25, and has been a key contributor over the past two seasons, helping Michigan win two Big Ten titles and reach the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 before finally making the Final Four.

  • Tschetter joined the Michigan program in 2021-22.
  • Dusty May was hired as head coach in 2024-25.
  • Michigan won Big Ten titles in 2024-25 and 2025-26.
  • Michigan reached the Sweet 16 in 2024-25 and the Elite 8 in 2025-26.
  • Michigan defeated Tennessee on March 29, 2026 to advance to the Final Four.

The players

Will Tschetter

A fifth-year senior forward for the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who has been with the program since 2021-22.

Juwan Howard

The former head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who recruited Tschetter to the program.

Dusty May

The current head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who took over the program in 2024-25 and kept Tschetter as part of the team.

Nimari Burnett

Another Michigan player who remained with the program through the coaching change from Howard to May.

Tennessee Volunteers

The opponent Michigan defeated in the Elite 8 to advance to the Final Four.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, it's not an easy role at times. You have single digit minutes one night and you're double digits the next. So, just being able to stay ready, always be sharp, always be ready on scouting reports. Obviously, it helps being here for the last five years, so knowing what to expect from teams night in and night out.”

— Will Tschetter, Michigan forward

What’s next

Tschetter and the Wolverines will face fellow No. 1 seed Arizona on Saturday, April 5th, with a chance to advance to the national championship game on April 7th.

The takeaway

Tschetter's emotional reaction after reaching his first Final Four highlights the perseverance and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of college basketball. His journey through coaching changes and program rebuilding exemplifies the resilience of student-athletes who remain committed to their team and university.