College Basketball

Preseason Preview: No. 4 Michigan Wolverines — Lendeborg, Cadeau, and the Nation’s Best Transfer Portal Class

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

There’s no mistaking it — what’s building in Ann Arbor isn’t just a program on the rise. It’s a contender.

Coming into the 2025–26 season, the Michigan Wolverines aren’t relying on just hype or history. They’ve built something tangible. Something dangerous.

With a roster reshaped by one of the most impressive transfer portal hauls in recent memory, a strong core of returning players, and the arrival of a blue-chip freshman, Michigan is fully loaded. Head coach Dusty May didn’t just make noise this offseason — he changed the tone of the entire Big Ten.

🔄 A Portal Powerhouse: Michigan’s Transfer Class Sets the Tone

Michigan’s identity this season starts with its transfer portal dominance. Across the national landscape, Dusty May’s work has been praised as the best in the country. He didn’t just add depth — he brought in impact players with experience, production, and versatility.

⭐ Elliot Cadeau – Guard | Transfer from North Carolina

Cadeau started all 37 games for the Tar Heels last season, leading the ACC in assists (5.5 APG). While he averaged 7.7 points per game, his real value came from his floor vision, pace, and distribution. He gives May a true lead guard — a steady hand and vocal leader who can control tempo and elevate others.

⭐ Yaxel Lendeborg – Forward | Transfer from UAB

Arguably the most important transfer in the entire country, Lendeborg averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game on 52% shooting. He was the engine at UAB and is now Michigan’s stat-sheet stuffer, bringing physicality, energy, and veteran presence. After testing NBA waters, his return to college immediately raised Michigan’s ceiling.

⭐ Morez Johnson Jr. – Forward | Transfer from Illinois

A long, physical presence inside, Johnson Jr. put up 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a freshman at Illinois, shooting over 64% from the field. His rebounding instincts and finishing ability around the basket give May another bruiser up front.

⭐ Aday Mara – Center | Transfer from UCLA

Standing at 7-foot-3, Mara brings rare length and upside. At UCLA, he averaged 6.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, flashing playmaking instincts unusual for his size. A native of Spain and a former international prospect, Mara gives Michigan a legitimate rim deterrent and interior passing option.

⭐ Tre Donaldson – Guard | Transfer from Florida State

Donaldson was a former top high school recruit who is now ready to contribute in a rotation role. He adds depth, athleticism, and a combo guard option off the bench.

🔙 Returning Core: The Foundation Remains Intact

While the transfer names are flashy, Michigan’s returning players give this team the cohesion and continuitychampionship teams need.

  • Nimari Burnett – Averaged 9.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 1.5 APG, starting all 37 games last season. Shot over 36% from deep and was Michigan’s most consistent wing scorer.
  • Roddy Gayle Jr. – Versatile and athletic, he provides perimeter defense and second-side scoring.
  • Will Tschetter – A physical glue guy who understands his role and brings toughness.
  • L.J. Cason – A developing piece who continues to provide energy and spot minutes.

🌟 Freshmen on Deck: McKenney Leads the Charge

Headlining the freshman class is five-star guard Trey McKenney, a big-bodied, downhill scorer with NBA upside. McKenney brings strength, skill, and confidence, and he’ll likely carve out meaningful minutes right away.

📊 Why Michigan Ranks Among the Nation’s Best

There are no shortcuts to greatness, and what Dusty May has built in a short time is nothing less than elite. Here’s why:

✅ Playmaking at the Point

Cadeau’s pass-first style will unlock open shots and create balance between the frontcourt and perimeter.

✅ Dominance on the Glass

Lendeborg, Johnson Jr., and Mara give Michigan one of the deepest and most skilled frontcourts in the country.

✅ Versatility and Matchups

This roster can go big, go small, defend at all five positions, and adapt to any game style — a hallmark of Dusty May’s system.

✅ Depth and Experience

Burnett and Gayle Jr. return with Big Ten experience, and every key rotation player has logged meaningful minutes at a high level.

🧠 Final Word: Big, Mean, and Built for March

In a year where multiple programs are reloading, Michigan is surging.

The Wolverines enter 2025–26 with power, polish, and purpose. With elite transfers, a battle-tested returning group, and a five-star freshman in McKenney, Michigan has the ingredients to compete for the Big Ten title — and a deep March run.

They’re big. They’re mean. And they’re no longer underdogs.

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