Michigan’s first exhibition offered the kind of October tune-up you’d expect: a clean win, a few promising flashes, and enough to start sketching out what this team might look like when the games count. The Wolverines handled Eastern Michigan 87-62 on Sunday, and Trey McKenney led the way with 21 points as Michigan opened its title-defense season in low-stress fashion.
McKenney looked every bit like the player Michigan needs him to be. The preseason All-Big Ten pick scored from deep, attacked the rim, and made plays throughout the afternoon. It was the kind of outing that hinted at the leap people were expecting from him, and Cadeau also looked sharp as the two settled in quickly.
The biggest buzz, though, came from Michigan’s freshmen. Quinn Costello lived up to the reputation that followed him into Ann Arbor.
The McDonald’s All-American, known as one of the top shooters in the 2026 class, came off the bench and buried four 3-pointers on his way to 16 points in his debut. Joseph Hartman, the four-star guard, added 10 points and hit two more triples.
Together, the freshmen went 6-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Jon Rothstein said he has seen enough from both Costello and Hartman - including their work overseas - to believe they’ll be ready for meaningful minutes in 2026-27. That matters even more with the Brandon McCoy injury forcing both to play more than expected.
Michigan also got a look at Moustapha Thiam, and the 7-foot-2 transfer showed why he’s such an intriguing piece. He only made two field goals in 25 minutes, but he got to the line nine times and knocked down seven free throws. He finished with five rebounds, three assists, and the kind of rim protection Michigan wants anchoring the paint.
He’s not Aday Mara on defense, but he does bring a better offensive game. Jalen Reed also saw 13 minutes, which gave the Wolverines another positive in the frontcourt. If Thiam can grow into an All-Big Ten center like Mara did last season, Michigan has the kind of interior presence that can keep it in the hunt for another Big Ten title and another deep NCAA tournament run.
Michigan has one more exhibition on Friday night against Oregon State at home.
In Other News...
Michigans Early Big Ten Hole Looks Even Worse Now
Three weeks into Big Ten play, Michigan is still stuck without a conference win, and the standings around it have only made that opening stretch feel heavier. The league has settled into an early picture with six teams, including the Wolverines, still searching for their first victory, while Ohio State has taken the lead and other programs like Indiana and Nebraska have shown enough to keep the race from feeling orderly.
For Michigan, the frustration is not just the record but the way a few key moments have shaped it. A kickoff return against Iowa and a muffed punt against Minnesota helped swing games the wrong way, the kind of special teams breakdowns that can turn a manageable start into a deeper hole. In a conference already looking competitive and crowded, every missed chance only makes the climb back harder. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Utah Transfers Are Giving Fans One Bright Spot
Among the quieter successes in Michigans portal work this season has been the immediate impact of the Utah transfers Kyle Whittingham brought with him. Cornerback Smith Snowden, wide receiver JJ Buchanan and defensive end John Henry Daley have all settled in quickly, giving the Wolverines a handful of additions who look far more like plug-and-play contributors than developmental projects.
Buchanan has become a useful outlet in the passing game, Snowden has stabilized the secondary and Daley has been a force up front, helping set the tone on the defensive line. For a team always looking for dependable production from new faces, those three have provided a welcome bright spot and a reminder that transfer success can still make a real difference in Ann Arbor. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Fans Finally Get A First Look At Boynton's New Pieces
Michigan basketball fans are about to get their first real look at Mike Boynton Jr.s new group when the Wolverines begin a three-game exhibition slate ahead of the 2026-27 season. The opener comes against Eastern Michigan, which will also be introducing a new voice of its own in Billy Donlon, giving the matchup a little extra curiosity beyond the usual preseason tune-up.
For Michigan, the spotlight will be on how the fresh roster pieces fit early, especially newcomers Kenny Noland and Roddy Gayle Jr. Both are expected to take part in the exhibition, and their presence should offer at least a first glimpse at how Boynton wants this team to look before the games start counting for real. [Read more 🡒]