The University of Michigan men’s basketball team is still buzzing over their 2026 NCAA national championship win, but they also have to look ahead to the future.
If the Wolverines want to stay No. 1, they’ll have to beat tough teams, such as Duke.
On April 30, the team officially announced that they’ll go up against the Duke Blue Devils for a second consecutive season in a non-conference matchup on Monday, Dec. 21, at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The game will be one of the “marquee games of the 2026-27 season,” according to a release, “as the two storied programs renewed their series.”
Last season’s game between Michigan and Duke took place in Washington, D.C., as part of the Capital Showcase. It saw the Wolverines falling to the Blue Devils, 68-63.
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It’s been a minute since Michigan has beaten Duke. Their last victory over the Blue Devils happened back on Dec. 6, 2008, with an 81-73 win in Ann Arbor. It marks the school’s only win over Duke in their last 12 games since 1998.
So far, the schools have yet to release ticket information, television details and the game time for the event.
What Makes This Michigan vs Duke Matchup Special?
Even though it’s not uncommon to see the Wolverines go up against the Blue Devils, next season’s matchup will be special. Aside from the obvious point of it being at Madison Square Garden, the Wolverines’ stock went way up after winning the NCAA national championship this season.
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Duke is used to the Final Four and finals action, but the Wolverines have experienced a slow build to the top. Now, seeing Michigan and Duke go up against each other will take on greater meaning with both teams being viewed as champions.
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