Wolverine Digest

Michigan basketball climbs latest 2025-26 rankings after securing commitment from Yaxel Lendeborg

With Lendeborg coming to Michigan, the Wolverines are going to contend for it all next season.
Trent Knoop|
Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

Michigan basketball, Dusty May, and the Wolverine faithful received the best news they could get on Tuesday when transfer Yaxel Lendeborg confirmed he would forgo the NBA Draft and attend Michigan next season.

The top-ranked transfer committed to Michigan in early April, but the former UAB big man was a projected first-round pick and he went through the draft process. Ultimately, a chance to compete for a national title, get a sizeable NIL deal, and boost his draft stock was compelling enough to play his final collegiate season in Ann Arbor.

After the return of the big man who averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 55% from 2-point range and 36% from 3 -- the Wolverines earned a boost for next season's rankings.

CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein updated his 2025-26 rankings, and he moved Michigan from No. 8 to No. 5 for next season.

With Lendeborg officially in the fold, the Wolverines will have the top-ranked transfer portal class. He joins North Carolina G Elliott Cadeau, Illinois F Morez Johnson, and UCLA C Aday Mara, which will give Michigan significant minutes on the court next season. The Wolverines return veterans Roddy Gayle Jr., Will Tschetter, and Nimari Burnett to combine with young talent LJ Cason, Trey McKenney, Oscar Goodman and Winters Grady.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Michigan football has a loaded visitor list this weekend, including a star Auburn commit

Michigan football QB Bryce Underwood makes history after EA releases cover of College Football 26 video game

WATCH: Yaxel Lendeborg releases commitment video to Michigan basketball

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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