Wolverine Digest

Michigan Basketball Makes History in Latest AP Poll

See where the Wolverines ranked in this week's poll.
Justice Steiner|
Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett (4) dribbles on UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett (4) dribbles on UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

For the first time in over a decade, the Michigan Wolverines are the No. 1 team in the college basketball AP Top-25 Poll. In the week 15 poll, the Wolverines jumped Arizona, who had dropped a game to Texas Tech this past week.

Now riding a 10-game winning streak, UofM has been in the top five for 11 straight weeks, spending the majority of that time at No. 2.

The Wolverines received 60 of the 61 first place votes in the poll. Houston, Duke, Arizona and Uconn rounded out the top five of the rankings.

Looking back

The Maize and Blue picked up a pair of wins this past week, taking down Northwestern 87-75 on Wednesday (Feb.11) and UCLA 86-56 on Saturday (Feb. 14). 

Against the Wildcats, the Wolverines looked to be in trouble, trailing by double-digits. However, a big late-game surge and career game from L.J. Cason helped guide UofM to a double-digit victory. Cason finished with 18 points, four steals, and three assists.

L.J. Cason plays defense.
Jan 6, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard LJ Cason (2) defends Penn State Nittany Lions guard Melih Tunca (9) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Michigan followed that up with a 30-point victory over UCLA on Valentine's Day. Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Cason had another strong showing with 13 points.

Michigan and the AP Poll

Earlier this season, the Wolverines spent four weeks this season slotted at No. 2 (weeks 6-9). In week nine, they came in with 29 first-place votes, just three shy of No. 1 Arizona. Prior to this week, the Wolverines have moved back up to No. 2 for two-straight weeks.

Prior to this season, No. 2 is the highest they’ve been ranked since the 2021-22 season, when they were No. 2 overall in week 15.

Now that UofM has found its way up to No. 1,  it is 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.

Yaxel Lendeborg shoots
Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) is fouled by UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Looking ahead

It is a big week for Michigan, with two tough games on the schedule. UofM will travel to Purdue on Tuesday, before matching up with Duke on Saturday (Feb. 21) at 6:30 p.m.

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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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