Believe it or not, the Michigan basketball program wil play the first game of its exhibition schedule on Sunday, just a few weeks before the start of the regular season on November 2nd.
If you're already over the Michigan football season, this could be a bright spot for you, along with the hockey team that's expected to contend for a national title.
Michigan is the defending college basketball national champion. Mike Boynton Jr. has taken over for Dusty May, making the transition as seamless as possible, especially considering the timing. Boynton has a short-term deal in place, so either he will be a success, or Michigan will get a new coach.
Boynton did an excellent job retaining the roster. That roster took a hit when Brandon McCoy suffered a season-ending injury. However, the Wolverines got some good news with the return of Roddy Gayle, who is expected on the floor Sunday against Eastern Michigan, according to the Michigan basketball head coach.
Roddy Gayle expected to play for Michigan basketball on Sunday
“There’s an aspect of this that’s new for everybody,” Boynton said. “This is uncharted territory. Right now he’s eligible. We’re functioning as if he’s eligible. He’s going to play Sunday unless somebody calls me Saturday at midnight or before 2:00 p.m. Sunday. He’s going to play Sunday, and we’ll just function until we’re told otherwise."
Gayle will probably be in the starting lineup at the three spot. He was essential for the Wolverines in the NCAA tournament, especially on the defensive end, although he shot the ball better. He's better shooter than he's given credit for, and averaged 13 points per game at Ohio State as a sophomore.
Gayle being on the court would be a positive. Another is if Jalen Reed is able to go. The former LSU starter is one of the most underrated players on the roster. He's got big-time ability. He will likely come off the bench, but at 6-foot-10, will provide valuable depth at the four and the five.
Reed suffered a season-ending injury in 2025-26, but averaged 9.5 points per game and shot 42 percent from 3-point range in 18 minutes per game. Getting him back for the exhibition season would be huge. Boynton said he needs clearance, but it sounds possible. That would allow him to knock off the rust from not playing in some games that don't count. It's hard to think of a better scenario.
The Wolverines will play Eastern Michigan, Oregon State and Houston in the exhibition season before opening the 2026-27 season on November 2nd against Oakland.
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