Michigan, Villanova Finalize Home-and-Home Basketball Series Through 2027

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Wolverines are set to host the Villanova Wildcats as part of a home-and-home series, confirming plans earlier this month. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Villanova will visit Michigan in the 2025-26 season, with a return game scheduled for the 2026-27 season.

This series comes as both teams look to strengthen their nonconference schedules. Michigan recently finished a strong season, ending up in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll with a 27-win record, which included a Big Ten Tournament championship and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Villanova is entering a rebuilding phase after missing the NCAA Tournament for the past three years. Kyle Neptune was fired after his three seasons, and Kevin Willard has been hired as the Wildcats’ new head coach. Willard, coming off a successful tenure at Maryland, aims to rejuvenate the program.

In their last matchup, Villanova defeated Michigan 63-55 in the 2022 Sweet 16, while the Wolverines also suffered a loss in the 2018 NCAA Championship game. Historically, Michigan holds a 3-4 record against Villanova, including a blowout victory in 2019 at Finneran Pavilion.

The Wolverines’ nonconference schedule additionally features games against teams like Wake Forest, TCU, and Duke, alongside three contests at The Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

Michigan head coach Dusty May expressed optimism about arranging challenging games for the Wolverines. He noted, ‘We’re discussing it with several teams,’ emphasizing the importance of high-profile matchups for the team’s growth.

As both programs prepare for the upcoming seasons, Michigan looks to maintain its success, while Villanova aims to reclaim its position among college basketball’s elite.