Michigan Hosts Cincinnati in First Basketball Exhibition of the Season

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan men’s basketball team will face Cincinnati in its first exhibition game of the 2025-26 season on Friday, October 17, at Crisler Center. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on B1G+.

This showdown offers fans their initial glimpse of the Wolverines under second-year head coach Dusty May. Last season, May led Michigan to an impressive 27-10 record and a Big Ten Tournament title, marking a successful debut.

Michigan enters this season with a No. 7 ranking in the Associated Press preseason poll, their highest since the 2021-22 season. In media predictions, the Wolverines are projected to finish second in the Big Ten, behind Purdue.

Tonight marks the first meeting between Michigan and Cincinnati in over three decades. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 3-1, with the teams last facing off in the 1992 NCAA Final Four. This match is historic as it is the first time Cincinnati will play at Crisler Center.

The Bearcats come off a 19-16 season, with a 7-13 record in Big 12 play. They reached the College Basketball Crown tournament but bowed out after defeating DePaul in the opening round.

Cincinnati’s senior guard, Day Day Thomas, is the team’s only returning starter, having averaged 10.2 points last season. Head coach Wes Miller, in his fifth season, aims to improve the team’s conference record, which has stalled at 32-42 during his tenure.

In preparation for the upcoming campaign, Michigan’s roster features a significant overhaul with eight new players joining the team. Key transfers include notable additions from UAB and North Carolina.

Coach May emphasized the importance of exhibition games, stating, ‘Exhibition games are where you find the truth — what travels and what doesn’t. We’ll get beat on some things, and that’s how we grow.’

This game serves not only as a competitive experience but also a testing ground for strategies and player rotations.

Both teams have no formal scouting reports for this matchup, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics and team dynamics. Miller noted his lack of preparation, sharing a conversation with May that emphasized mutual respect for the exercise of playing without extensive game plans.

The Wolverines will also honor former player Trey Burke by retiring his No. 3 jersey later this season, adding significance to their exhibition setup.