Wolverine Digest

Michigan basketball falls in way-too-early top 25 after landing massive transfer haul

Odd to see Michigan falling right now.
Trent Knoop|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

After a Sweet 16 run that ended to Auburn, Michigan men's basketball is only going up under Dusty May. The former FAU coach has shown his willingness to bring in elite players from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal. The Wolverines landed four players from the portal, three of which who signed. But the lingering question is what UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg decides to do.

Lendeborg, a skilled big who could replace Danny Wolf, committed to Michigan, but he's going through the draft process. If he comes back to college, May could have a fun time setting Lendeborg up in his offense. As of now, analysts are assuming he's playing for Michigan -- unless he says differently.

With that in mind, ESPN released an updated version of its early top 25 for next season and Michigan actually went down in the rankings. The Wolverines were initially ranked 5th and now Jeff Borzello has Michigan at No. 7.

Dusty May hit the portal early in the cycle, landing three potential starters for next season in Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Lendeborg is a borderline first-round pick, so there is a chance he'll declare for the NBA draft instead, but Cadeau is an incredibly gifted passer and Johnson is primed for a big jump down low.

The Wolverines also added 7-foot-3 UCLA transfer Aday Mara. Returnees Roddy Gayle Jr., Nimari Burnett and five-star signee Trey McKenney will play on the wings.
Jeff Borzello (ESPN)

Both Texas Tech and BYU made major jumps in the ranking. The Red Raiders went from No. 22 to No. 3 and the Cougars jumped from No. 16 to No. 6 -- both going around Michigan. Michigan likely isn't done using the portal, so it will be interesting to see if the maize and blue make any more big moves ahead of next season.

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

More Michigan News:

Michigan Football: RB Kalel Mullings lands top-30 NFL Draft visit; could play with former teammate

Michigan Football: The No. 1 overall pick in Michigan Football's Spring Game is revealed

Notre Dame has a 'slight edge' over a top Michigan football target

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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