Michigan wins NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship, beating UConn 69-63

Michigan head coach Dusty May celebrates after defeating UConn in the NCAA college basketball tournament national championship game at the Final Four, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (CBS) – No. 1 seed Michigan defeated No. 2 seed UConn 69-63 to capture the 2026 NCAA Men’s National Basketball championship tonight.

It’s the second national title in program history for the Wolverines and the first since 1989. UConn was going for its third national championship in four seasons.

Michigan is the first national champion from the Big Ten since Michigan State won the title in 2000.

The Wolverines captured the title despite a cold start from the 3-point line. Michigan didn’t knock down a 3-pointer until there were 12:56 remaining in the second half when guard Elliot Cadeau knocked one down.

Michigan becomes the first team since Michigan State (1978-79) to win a national title two or fewer seasons removed from winning less than 10 games. Michigan went 8-24 during the 2023-24 campaign before hiring Dusty May away from Florida Atlantic.

— Information from CBS Sports