There are a variety of methods as an instance simply how superior and overwhelming Michigan has been this season. On this second day of 2026, maybe my favourite is to let you know that the Wolverines are taking part in Friday night time towards a Huge Ten crew that is 12-1 and ranked twenty fourth within the Related Press High 25 ballot — and Michigan is a 21.5-point favourite within the sport!
That is a large quantity for a contest between ranked groups. And although one clarification for the massive unfold is that USC — with zero wins over groups within the high 45 at KenPom.com and a loss to unranked Washington on the resume — should not truly be ranked twenty fourth within the AP ballot, reality is, this has extra to do with Michigan being 12-0 with 9 wins by not less than 25 factors.
The Wolverines beat Gonzaga by 40 and Auburn by 30. In order that they’re 2-0 towards groups additionally in Friday morning’s up to date CBS Sports activities High 25 And 1 every day faculty basketball rankings — with these victories coming by a mean of 35 factors. And that is the most important cause the Wolverines are 21.5-point favorites over USC, to not point out No. 1 within the High 25 And 1 for the twenty third consecutive day.
In case you watch this one, the participant to look at is Yaxel Lendeborg. He is Michigan’s switch from UAB who’s averaging a team-high 15.7 factors, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes per sport. The 6-foot-9 ahead received 29 factors, 9 assists, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals within the Wolverines’ most-recent sport towards a power-conference opponent, which resulted in a 101-83 victory over Maryland. That efficiency is among the many causes he is now fifth within the KenPom Participant of the Yr standings.