Wolverine Digest

How analytics confirm Michigan basketball’s historic dominance

At 13-0, the Wolverines boast one of the highest KenPom ratings college basketball has ever seen.
Justice Steiner|
Michigan basketball Director of Basketball Analytics Jacob Kohn high-fives players after 96-66 win over USC at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Michigan basketball Director of Basketball Analytics Jacob Kohn high-fives players after 96-66 win over USC at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

The 2025-26 Michigan basketball team has been nothing short of impressive in its first couple of months of the season. The No. 2 Wolverines are a perfect 13-0 and not only winning games, but doing so handily.

Earlier this season, Michigan broke a Big Ten record for most wins by 40-plus points with six. They did so just 12 games into the season.

Now, the Wolverines are continuing to make history, this time with the KenPom rating.

Morez Johnson Jr.
Jan 2, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) is defended by Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

What is KenPom?

KenPom is an advanced system that grades college basketball teams and produces a score. 

It keys in on how efficiently teams play, taking tempo, offensive and defensive efficiency, luck and strength of schedule all into account.

The system has been extremely helpful for predicting national champions, as nearly every championship team has ranked inside the top-25 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

So, How Does this Relate to Michigan Basketball?

In 2025-26, the Michigan Wolverines have a KenPom rating of +39.43, which is the second-highest of all time, only behind the 1999 Duke Blue Devils.

As it stands, Michigan is five points ahead of Arizona in net rating, despite being ranked behind the Wildcats in the AP Poll.

The Wolverines rank first in defensive rating (87.1) and fifth in offensive rating (126.4).

Best in the Country

At this point, with how dominant the Wolverines have been, they have looked like the best team in the country.

Michigan basketball
Dec 29, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Will Tschetter (42) guard Trey McKenney (1) guard L.J. Cason (2) forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) look on in the second half against the McNeese Cowboys at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The latest AP Poll releases tomorrow (Monday, Jan. 5), where Michigan fans will await to see if UofM will finally jump Arizona.

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Justice Steiner
JUSTICE STEINER

A Battle Creek, Mich. native, Justice Steiner has been passionately involved in sports, currently as the sports information director at Davenport University, an NCAA Division II program, where he covers 12 sports. He also serves as the creative services director for the men's and women's baseball teams. Prior to DU, Steiner worked as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at the University of Louisville, working closely with the women's soccer, women's basketball, men's tennis and softball programs. While at Grand Valley State University, Steiner began his writing career at the Grand Valley Lanthorn. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in advertising and public relations.

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