Wolverine Digest

Michigan basketball drops in latest AP Poll

The Wolverines fell in the week 10 poll after losing to Wisconsin.
Justice Steiner|
Jan 10, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) celebrates a three point basket in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) celebrates a three point basket in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

After four straight weeks slotted at No. 2 in the college basketball AP Top 25, the Michigan Wolverines have fallen to No. 4 in week 10.

Arizona remained the consensus No. 1, receiving 60 of the 61 first-place votes. At No. 2 is Iowa State, with one first-place vote. UConn is one slot ahead of the Wolverines at No. 3, while Purdue rounded out the top five.

Last Week’s Action

For the first time in months, Michigan struggled. The Wolverines had their first close game in months on Tuesday (Jan. 6) against Penn State. UofM edged the Nittany Lions 74-72 on the road, marking their first single-digit victory since Nov. 14 against TCU.

Aday Mara
Jan 10, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dribbles defended by Wisconsin Badgers forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (32) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Wolverines then dropped their first contest of the year on Saturday (Jan. 10) in what was a high-scoring affair, falling 91-88. Despite the loss, point guard Elliot Cadeau had a strong showing, finishing with a team-high 19 points to go along with three assists and three rebounds.

After suffering the loss to the Badgers, Michigan was bound to drop once the latest rankings dropped.

Michigan and the AP Poll

As mentioned, the Wolverines spent the last four weeks slotted at No. 2. Last week, they came in with 29 first-place votes, just three shy of No. 1 Arizona. 

While they were at No. 2, it was the highest they’ve been ranked since the 2021-22 season, when they were No. 2 overall in week 15.

Morez
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3), left, celebrates a play against Wisconsin with forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If Michigan can get back on track and find a way to get to No. 1,  it would be the first time the program has been No. 1 since Jan. 28, 2013, the year the Wolverines advanced to the National Championship but fell to Louisville.

What’s Next

This coming week, the Maize and Blue will take a trip to the West Coast. The Wolverines will play on the road at Washington on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (PT), followed by Oregon on Saturday at 1 p.m. (PT)

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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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