The matchup is officially set. The No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverinesnow know who they will face to begin their NCAA Tournament run.

On Tuesday night, Howard defeated UMBC 86–83 in a First Four play-in game, earning the right to advance to the Round of 64.

Wolverines Set to Face Howard

With the win, Howard (No. 16 seed) will now take on No. 1 seed Michigan on Thursday night at 7:10 p.m. ET, with the game airing nationally on CBS.

Michigan (31–3) enters the tournament as one of the top teams in the country and is widely expected to be a heavy favorite in the opening round.

Michigan’s Tournament Path Begins

The Wolverines earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region after a dominant regular season and a run to the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament championship game, where they fell to Purdue 80–72.

Despite that loss, Michigan’s body of work solidified its position as one of the favorites to make a deep March Madness run.

Now, the Wolverines turn their attention to Howard, a team coming in with momentum after its play-in victory.

Heavy Favorites, But No Room for Error

While Michigan will enter Thursday night’s matchup as a clear favorite, March Madness is known for its unpredictability, especially in the 1 vs. 16 matchup.

The Wolverines will look to avoid any early-round surprises and take care of business to advance to the Round of 32, where a tougher test could await.

For now, Michigan’s focus is simple: handle Howard and keep the championship dream alive.

With the NCAA Tournament bracket officially set, the Michigan Wolverinesare entering March Madness with serious momentum, and oddsmakers have taken notice.

According to championship odds released by BetMGM, Michigan currently holds the best odds to win the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball national championship at +325.

Wolverines Lead the Title Odds

Michigan’s position at the top of the odds board comes after an impressive season that saw the Wolverines finish 31–3 overall and earn the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region.

Despite falling 80–72 to the Purdue Boilermakers men’s basketball in the Big Ten Tournament championship game, Michigan’s body of work throughout the season has made them one of the favorites to cut down the nets.

Here’s a look at the current national championship odds via BetMGM:

• Michigan — +325
• Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball — +333
• Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball — +425
• Florida Gators men’s basketball — +600
• Houston Cougars men’s basketball — +1000

March Madness Begins Thursday

Michigan’s path toward a potential national title will begin Thursday at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS when the Wolverines face the winner of the First Four matchup between UMBC Retrievers men’s basketball and Howard Bison men’s basketball in the Round of 64.

As the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, Michigan will look to turn its dominant regular season into a deep run through the NCAA Tournament.

For now, the betting markets are sending a clear message: the Wolverines are the team to beat.

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