Field Level Media Top 25: No. 18 Michigan

Field Level Media college basketball writers submitted ballots for their Top 25 men's basketball teams entering the 2026-27 season.

The poll results are in: Here's a closer look at No. 18 Michigan.

18. MICHIGAN

2025-26 record: 37-3

Outlook for 2026-27: The Big Ten's first NCAA Tournament champion since 2000 lost its three frontcourt starters to the NBA lottery, but head coach Dusty May reloaded the roster before leaving for the NBA himself. Seven-foot-2 Moustapha Thiam (transfer from Cincinnati) and J.P. Estrella (Tennessee) are next in line to fill the void up front.

What we like: Michigan belongs in the conversation for the best backcourt in the country, with Final Four Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau running the point and Trey McKenney providing another top-level option. McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello is a 6-foot-10 sharpshooter from beyond the 3-point arc.

Trouble ahead: New coach Mike Boynton Jr. liked what he saw from McDonald's All-American Brandon McCoy Jr. this summer, but McCoy suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Sept. 1. The Wolverines will benefit from Roddy Gayle Jr. being cleared on Oct. 22 to play a fifth season. He scored a team-high 14 points against Houston in an Oct. 25 exhibition.

Top newcomer: Thiam showcased his versatility in Michigan's three exhibitions. He swatted four shots in the first game, posted 10 rebounds and five assists while making two 3-pointers in the second, and went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line in the third.

--Field Level Media