No. 4 UConn and No. 16 Michigan renew their rivalry from the 2026 national championship game on Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. The game will be televised on TNT and streamed on Fubo.
Projected starters for Michigan: G Elliot Cadeau, G Trey McKenney, G Roddy Gayle Jr., F JP Estrella, C Moustapha Thiam. For UConn: G Silas Demary Jr., G Braylon Mullins, G Jayden Ross, F Nik Khamenia, C Na'jai Hines.
The marquee matchup features two Bob Cousy Award front-runners at point guard. Cadeau is a creative playmaker who may need to score more under new Michigan coach Mike Boynton Jr., while Demary Jr. is an elite on-ball defender at 6-foot-5.
Both teams replaced multiple NBA-caliber frontcourt players via the transfer portal. UConn added Seton Hall transfer Na'jai Hines, a disruptive but foul-prone big man. Michigan brought in Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, a 7-foot-2 center who missed the opener with illness. Their ability to contribute immediately will be critical.
Preseason indicators show UConn's defense ahead of schedule, while Michigan's defense appears less connected. The Huskies' depth includes potential first-round pick Colben Landrew off the bench, whereas Michigan lost five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. to a knee injury.
UConn opened as a 3-point favorite and the line has moved to -6. Most experts pick UConn straight up, but the spread of six points is considered rich given the even talent level. The recommended pick is Michigan +6.
