Michigan Wolverines news: More Bryce Underwood buzz and basketball begins

Even though the results on the field weren't what Michigan football fans were hoping for against No. 1 Oregon, in the big picture, this past weekend was probably still a good one for the Michigan Wolverines.

There were some key visitors and some new crystal ball projections for the Wolverines. Graceson Littleton, a top-100 cornerback who just decommitted from Clemson was on campus for the Oregon game and has multiple crystal ball projections for U-M.

So does Elijah Dotson, a four-star defensive back committed to Pittsburgh. He also just so happens to be a teammate of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.

There was buzz about Underwood taking a visit over the weekend. However, Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider reports that a visit didn't happen. Underwood's parents were there though, which is interesting and Webb teased an upcoming visit by Underwood to Michigan football, which would make the possibility of a flip seem even more serious.

Five-star wideout Derek Meadows, another LSU commitment, also visited over the weekend, so things are happening on the recruiting trail, even if the Michigan Wolverines are struggling on the field.

Michigan basketball season starts

The Michigan basketball team opens the season tonight at 8 PM EST (Big Ten Network) against Cleveland State. It will be the first game of the Dusty May era and after a couple of preseason contests, it comes at a perfect time.

It's hard to know what to expect in the first season under May, but Michigan basketball is projected to make the NCAA tournament by Joe Lunardi of ESPN. Kenpom has the Michigan Wolverines ranked 36th, while Cleveland State is No. 183.

So it could be a challenging matchup for the Wolverines, even though they are favored by 20.5 points. Vlad Goldin should give the Wolverines an edge inside while I'm really excited to see what Roddy Gayle can do.

Cleveland State lost four of five starters from last season but they are a team that wants to force turnovers. It will be interesting to see how Michigan basketball handles that. Tevin Smith and Je'Shawn Stevenson are names to know for the Vikings, but this game feels more about what the Wolverines and how they are able to gel early in the 2024-25 season.

The Michigan women's basketball team also opens the 2024-25 season against top-ranked South Carolina. It's a tough draw. The Gamecocks are loaded once again and the favorite to win the national title while the Michigan Wolverines are expected to start two freshmen, even if they are five-stars Olivia Olson and Syla Swords.

Those are the future of the program and how quickly they develop will define this season for Kim Barnes Arico and the Michigan women's basketball team. Tip off is at 7:30 PM EST on TNT.