Michigan basketball fans have been waiting, and now the full picture is clear: Dusty May’s second season in Ann Arbor will not start with a warm-up tour. The Wolverines officially announced their complete nonconference schedule, and it’s stacked with national powers, revenge games, and high-stakes battles across the country.
In total, Michigan will play 11 nonconference matchups before diving into Big Ten play. While some games are traditional tune-ups, others are headline clashes against blue bloods like Duke and Villanova and rising powers like Auburn and San Diego State.
This schedule is more than just a list of games — it’s a measuring stick for a program coming off a 27-win season and a Big Ten Tournament championship, and now looking to cement itself as a legitimate national contender.
Breaking Down the Schedule
November 3: Oakland (Ann Arbor)
Michigan raises its Big Ten Tournament title banner in the Crisler Center opener. The Wolverines faced Oakland in an exhibition last year — this time, it counts for real. Expect an emotional night in Ann Arbor.
November 11: Wake Forest (Detroit – Little Caesars Arena)
A rematch from last year’s loss in Greensboro. Michigan owes Wake Forest one, and this time the game shifts to Detroit. The setting outside Crisler adds a unique showcase feel in front of a broader fanbase.
November 14: at TCU (Fort Worth, Texas)
Another rematch from last season, when Michigan knocked off TCU at home. Facing them on the road gives May’s squad its first real test away from Ann Arbor.
November 19: Middle Tennessee (Ann Arbor)
Just the second meeting ever between these programs — the first came in 1986. While not a traditional powerhouse, Middle Tennessee has a history of upsets (ask Michigan State fans about 2016).
November 24-27: Las Vegas (Players Era Event)
Michigan heads west for three games that could shape its season:
Nov. 24 vs. San Diego State: The Aztecs have been a consistent NCAA Tournament threat and bring a physical style that will test Michigan’s toughness.
Nov. 25 vs. Auburn: The Sweet 16 rematch everyone circled. Auburn ended Michigan’s March run last year, and the Wolverines will have revenge on their minds.
Nov. 26 or 27 vs. TBD: The opponent depends on results, but with a loaded field, Michigan will see another high-quality matchup before leaving Vegas.
December 9: Villanova (Ann Arbor)
Few matchups carry as much recent history. Villanova beat Michigan in the 2018 National Championship and the 2022 Sweet 16. A win here would mean more than just another W — it would help Michigan chip away at a recent nemesis.
December 21: La Salle (Ann Arbor)
A throwback game with historical weight — Michigan and La Salle haven’t played in 50 years. The Wolverines won the last matchup, and they’ll be heavy favorites again.
December 29: McNeese (Ann Arbor)
This one is personal. McNeese stunned Michigan at Crisler two years ago. The Cowboys return on the exact two-year anniversary of that upset. Revenge will be the theme of the night.
February 21: Duke (Washington, D.C.)
The crown jewel of the nonconference slate. Michigan vs. Duke in the nation’s capital is a blockbuster neutral-site showdown, likely to draw national TV coverage and top billing in February. It’s the kind of game that can change seeding in March.
Themes and Storylines
Revenge Tour: Wake Forest, Auburn, and McNeese are all teams that got the better of Michigan recently. Each matchup carries emotional weight.
Blue Blood Battles: Villanova and Duke aren’t just tough opponents — they’re measuring sticks for whether Michigan belongs among college basketball’s royalty.
National Showcase: Games in Detroit, Las Vegas, and D.C. ensure Michigan will be tested under bright lights and big stages before the Big Ten grind.
Coach May’s Statement Year: Dusty May shocked the Big Ten in his debut. Now, with a preseason top-10 ranking, he’s aiming to prove it wasn’t a one-year wonder.
Why This Matters
Schedules like this aren’t just about wins and losses — they shape perception. A strong nonconference showing could position Michigan for a top NCAA Tournament seed, while stumbles would expose weaknesses before Big Ten play.
For fans, it means November through February will feel like March. Nearly every week offers a matchup with history, rivalry, or national attention.
Women’s Team Building Their Own Path
The Michigan women’s basketball program has yet to release its entire nonconference slate, but highlights are already confirmed:
Nov. 4 vs. Canisius
Nov. 18 vs. Binghamton
Nov. 21 vs. Syracuse (Hall of Fame Showcase – Uncasville, Conn.)
Nov. 23 vs. UConn (Hall of Fame Showcase – Uncasville, Conn.)
Nov. 26 at Detroit Mercy
Dec. 3 vs. Central Michigan
Dec. 13 vs. Akron
Jan. 19 vs. Vanderbilt (Coretta Scott King Classic – Newark, N.J.)
Like the men’s team, the women are taking on a mix of winnable games and national powers, including perennial juggernaut UConn.
