Everyone wants a shot at the champs, but not every team is able to get on the schedule of the Michigan Wolverines. Dusty May and Michigan stood over the rest in college basketball, and now they will begin the road to defending that championship. It will be a long offseason for the Wolverines, waiting to try and get back on the court, but they will be able to start sooner than normal.
It has been reported by the Houston Chronicle's Joseph Duarte that Michigan and Houston are likely to play an exhibition game in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the Wolverines have only played one in program history. The last time Michigan played in Grand Rapids was in 1998 against Western Michigan, a game the Wolverines ended up losing.
Even though this is an exhibition game that won't count towards the official record of the season as a whole, this is a major matchup between two teams expected to make it to the Final Four next season.
Michigan and Houston reportedly likely to play an exhibition in Grand Rapids.
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) May 29, 2026
Would be a great move.
Van Andel Arena seats 11,500 for basketball. https://t.co/CNePdeKGbf
An exhibition game vs. Houston could be exactly what Michigan needs to start a title defense
Houston has been a blue-blood team for quite some time now. Head coach Kelvin Sampson, even before the Cougars joined the Big 12, was able to compete year in and year out for a national title in the American Athletic Conference. Now in the Big 12, Houston has become even more of a powerhouse, even making it to the National Championship a season ago.
Michigan has found quick success under head coach Dusty May, even winning a National Championship in his second season with the Wolverines. However, in year three, Michigan will be tested like they never have been before, travelling all over the country playing games and working to defend its title.
This exhibition game against Houston could be exactly what Michigan needs to really jump-start the season, getting the Wolverines ready for what will be a grueling road to another title. Even in an exhibition game, don't count out either coach resting starters and trying to put everything out on the court.
Okay, probably not everything, as coaches won't want to give away too many tricks they have up their sleeves, but it will be great competition for both teams, especially a newer Michigan team that will be working to find its footing.
This exhibition game will be able to be played due to a new rule approved in January of 2025, allowing teams to play more than one exhibition game, and it doesn't have to be for charity. Michigan played Cincinnati and St. John's before the start of the 2025-2026 season, and it helped lead them to a title.
This could also be a preview of what could come in March, as both Michigan and Houston could very easily meet back up in the Final Four, or even in a National Championship game.
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