MICHIGAN WINS A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! Title game recap from Indianapolis!
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The CBS Sports' Eye On College Basketball podcast recaps Michigan's dramatic 69-63 victory over UConn in the 2026 NCAA National Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium, marking the Wolverines' second national title and the Big Ten's first since 2000. Hosts Gary Parish and Matt Norlander celebrate the historic win, highlighting Dusty May's transformative second season and the team’s unprecedented roster of three 6'9"+ players leading in scoring. Despite a low-scoring, gritty game with combined 34.1% shooting—the second worst in title game history—Michigan’s elite defense, rebounding dominance in the paint, and clutch free-throw shooting (89.3%) secured the win. The episode emphasizes Michigan’s adaptability, winning without a star performance or high-octane offense, and positions them as one of the greatest college basketball teams in modern history. The podcast also honors UConn’s remarkable four-year run under Dan Hurley, praising their resilience and sportsmanship, particularly Hurley’s respectful gesture of waiting for Michigan to celebrate before the handshake line. The conversation turns to the future, with speculation on Michigan’s top-5 preseason ranking, the portal’s impact, and USC’s potential rise under Eric Musselman.
Michigan became the first national champion with three players 6'9" or taller leading in scoring.
They won a title game with just two three-pointers made, the second fewest in championship history.
Michigan’s defense ranked #1 nationally and their net rating of 39.7 is the highest ever for a national champion since 1997.
The team’s starting five was entirely composed of transfers, a first in NCAA history.
Dusty May’s leadership and portal strategy have redefined Michigan’s program and elevated him to elite coaching status.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening the Pod: Michigan's Historic National Title
“Michigan is the national champions. They have done it in definitive fashion.”
The Unlikely Path to Victory: Michigan's Adaptability
“They didn't even have to play their best game or anything close to it to win because they have an offense that finished the season rated fourth nationally, a defense that finished the season rated first nationally.”
The Legacy of the Transfer Portal and Michigan's Roster
“They weren't all just running from adversity and scared of learning lessons the hard way. And they all came together very quickly and created a monster of a college basketball team.”
Dan Hurley’s Sportsmanship and UConn’s Legacy
“He waited for a good minute, maybe a minute and a half. Hurley went out and even found a Di Mara who was on the other side of the floor. They just gave him dap.”
The Game’s Statistical Anomalies and Key Moments
The hosts break down the game’s poor shooting (34.1% combined), Michigan’s 89.3% free-throw shooting, and the pivotal five-point swing when Roddy Gale hit a three to extend Michigan’s lead to 65-56 with 1.49 left.
“The team we just watched win the national championship is one of the greatest teams in modern history and perhaps, and I emphasize the word perhaps, I'm not trying to get into an argument, but you could make the argument based on some data points that this is maybe the best college basketball team we've seen.”
“He waited for a good minute, maybe a minute and a half. Hurley went out and even found a Di Mara who was on the other side of the floor. They just gave him dap.”
“Michigan is the national champions. They have done it in definitive fashion.”
Hosts
Michigan Wolverines
other
UConn Huskies
other
Dusty May
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Dan Hurley
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Gary Parish
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Matt Norlander
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Di Mara
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Roddy Gale
person
Merez Johnson
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Lucas Oil Stadium
place
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