Michigan will have to move forward without Brandon McCoy Jr. in 2026-27.
The school announced Tuesday that the freshman guard will miss the season because of an ACL injury to his right knee. McCoy was hurt Thursday in an exhibition game against Mega Superbet, going down in the first minute after slipping in transition. His leg rolled underneath him, and teammates carried him off the floor without him putting weight on it.
That loss stings because McCoy arrived with real buzz. The five-star freshman was seen as a potential one-and-done and was expected to crack the starting lineup for the Wolverines. Before the injury, he had started all three games in Europe and flashed quickly, averaging 14.5 points per game in his two healthy appearances.
The Michigan roster now has to absorb another hit. Ricky Liburd, who did not play on the trip because of an undisclosed injury, is one option to help fill the gap, along with freshmen such as Quinn Costello. The Wolverines also traveled with Roddy Gayle Jr. and Columbia transfer Kenny Noland, but neither played and both still need to be granted eligibility through the legal process to be available for a fifth season.
Here is the university’s statement:
“ANN ARBOR, Mich. - University of Michigan David and Meredith Kaplan Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Boynton Jr. announced Tuesday (Sept. 1) that freshman guard Brandon McCoy Jr. will miss the 2026-27 season due to an ACL injury to his right knee.
Further updates on McCoy’s surgery and recovery status will be provided when available.
McCoy, a five-star prospect in Michigan’s 2026 signing class, averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals in the Wolverines’ first two games of their European Tour in Lithuania. He recorded 15 points and five rebounds against the Lithuania National B Team after totaling 14 points, five rebounds and four steals in his Michigan debut against the Lithuania National Team.”
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