This could be one of the biggest weeks in the history of the University of Michigan’s men’s basketball program.
Fresh off a thrilling West Coast sweep over Washington and Oregon, the surging third-ranked Wolverines now brace for two titanic showdowns. Michigan welcomes No. 5 Nebraska Tuesday, then storms into East Lansing for a high-voltage clash with seventh-ranked Michigan State Friday night.
With those highly anticipated matchups anchoring the schedule, let’s transition to a look at the top five men’s college basketball games of the week:
Nebraska at Michigan — Tuesday, January 27
A battle for first place in the loaded Big Ten, with both teams vying for control of the conference and a path to a top NCAA tournament seed.
Nebraska freshman Braden Frager is a game-time decision after suffering an ankle injury. Though he has started only one game, Frager is averaging 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds off the bench.
Even if Frager is limited, Nebraska can lean on:
- Pryce Sandfort: 17.3 PPG
- Rienk Mast: 14.6 PPG
Michigan counters with a strong frontcourt:
- Aday Mara: 10.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG
- Morez Johnson Jr.: 36 points over his last two games
- Yaxel Lendeborg: 14.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG
Lendeborg is among the top 20 highest-paid college athletes, with an NIL valuation of more than $3 million.
Michigan at Michigan State — Friday, January 30
Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, Michigan must overcome a major test against its archrival, with conference title implications and potential seeding advantages on the line.
Michigan State: 18-1 overall, 8-1 Big Ten
Michigan State is led by elite point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., coming off a 17-point, 17-assist performance against Maryland.
Key contributors for the Spartans:
- Carson Cooper: 10.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG
- Jaxon Kohler: 13.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG
Michigan may have a frontcourt advantage, but Michigan State’s balanced approach and guard play create a classic rivalry.
BYU at Kansas — Saturday, January 31
This game highlights two standout freshmen projected as early 2026 NBA Draft selections.
- 23.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG
- Estimated NIL valuation: $4.4M
- 22.6 PPG over his last six games
Kansas supporting cast:
- Tre White: 14.9 PPG
- Flory Bidunga: 14.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG
Illinois at Nebraska — Sunday, February 1
Illinois enters on a nine-game winning streak after upsetting Purdue.
Illinois: No. 9 in the AP Poll
Freshman Keaton Wagler is emerging as a national star:
- 46 points vs. Purdue, most ever by a Big Ten player vs. an AP top-five team
- Season averages: 17.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG
Supporting scorers:
- Kylan Boswell: 14.3 PPG
- Andrej Stojakovic: 13.9 PPG
Nebraska will look to defend home court and protect its position as conference leader, with the potential to strengthen its bid for a high NCAA tournament seed.
Alabama at Florida — Sunday, February 1
A fast-paced SEC matchup expected to feature two potent offenses.
Florida (No. 19):
- Averaged 94.2 PPG over its previous four games
- Thomas Haugh: 17.4 PPG
- Alex Condon: 13.4 PPG
Alabama (No. 23):
- Labaron Philon Jr.: 22.2 PPG, 5.0 APG
- Charles Bediako: Returned from eligibility dispute, scored 13 points in his debut.
This matchup is expected to be a high-scoring contest.
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