Dusty May’s Michigan basketball team won it all, beating the odds in 2025, but it was far from an unexpected result. The Wolverines marched on the NCAA, earning a 37-3 record and nabbing the No. 1 seed. Now, with the season over, the question is whether the team is at the beginning of a dynasty or a one-and-done wonder.
In the history of sports, there have been many examples of both, giving either option a real chance. Here’s a look at whether to believe in the Michigan Wolverines in the 2026-27 season.
Everything Working Against Michigan Basketball in 2026
One thing can’t be ignored when talking about the Wolverines winning it all. After marching through the playoffs and getting the biggest spotlight in the sport, Michigan no longer has any semblance of an element of surprise. Teams will examine and analyze the Wolverines unlike any other team in the league.
Some will attempt to copy what they saw work. Others will circle the matchup against the Wolverines on their calendar as a huge opportunity. Put simply, there is now a target on Michigan’s back and every team will want to be the one that knocked off the champs. As such, it will be that much harder for May’s squad.
Not only will it be tougher from the outside looking in, but the psychology of the team will be tested in a new way. Championship hangovers are a real thing in sports, and winning it all one year can unlock hubris or exhaustion the following year. Even if one player is able to keep himself focused, hungry and composed, the next might not, which would lead to a net decrease in the following season.
Everything Going for Michigan Basketball
While plenty of negative aspects and problems are set to plague the team, it isn’t all bad news. Michigan now knows what it takes to win it all. Dusty May’s players, many of which were new to the coach two seasons ago, are even more ingrained in the coach’s system.
As such, the team is more comfortable now than it was 12 months ago. Plus, if one looks at the overall picture of May’s brief tenure, it’s clear that new success is on the way in the future.
One season before May took over as the coach, the team was 8-24. In his first season, the team finished 27-10 and made the playoffs. Unlike in professional sports, college sports are usually decided by the better coach, as most of the players are still raw enough to rise and fall based on what lessons are taught to them. May doesn’t appear to be tired, either, according to a Thursday statement via Front Office Sports.
According to On3, the team didn’t experience a mass exodus via the transfer portal, so May won’t have much rebuilding to do that he didn’t already know about heading into the transfer window.
Can Michigan Basketball Repeat in 2026?
Overall, Michigan’s chances of winning it all once again are far from zero and more likely than not.
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