Michigan Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Wolverines
By Jack Gutzler
Schedule Preview
Non-Conference Schedule
11/4 - Cleveland State (H)
11/10 - Wake Forest (A)
11/15 - TCU (H)
11/18 - Miami (Ohio) (H)
11/21 - Tarleton State (H)
11/25 - Virginia Tech (N, Fort Myers Tip-Off)
11/25 - Virginia Tech (N, Fort Myers Tip-Off)
11/27 - South Carolina/Xavier (N, Fort Myers Tip-Off)
12/10 - Arkansas (N)
12/10 - Arkansas (N)
12/29 - Western Kentucky (H)
Big Ten Schedule
12/3 - Wisconsin (A)
12/7 - Iowa (H)
1/4 - USC (A)
1/7 - UCLA (A)
1/12 - Washington (H)
1/16 - Minnesota (A)
1/19 - Northwestern (H)
1/24 - Purdue (A)
1/27 - Penn State (H)
2/1 - Rutgers (A)
2/5 - Oregon (H)
2/8 - Indiana (A)
2/11 - Purdue (H)
2/16 - Ohio State (A)
2/21 - Michigan State (H)
2/24 - Nebraska (A)
2/27 - Rutgers (H)
3/2 - Illinois (H)
3/5 - Maryland (H)
3/9 - Michigan State (A)
Schedule Outlook
The Wolverines are set to have a rather challenging 2024-25 slate, both in conference and out of conference. Michigan's non-conference play is highlighted by opponents such as Wake Forest, TCU, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma, three of which will be away from their home floor. Along with TCU, Michigan will host Cleveland State, Miami (Ohio), Tarleton State, Purdue-Fort Wayne, and Western Kentucky. Additionally, their games versus Oklahoma, Virginia and one of Xavier/South Carolina will be played at neutral sites while their matchup versus Wake Forest will be a de-facto home game for Wake Forest in Greensboro.
Their in-conference schedule also presents plenty of challenges. The three opponents the Wolverines will play twice in Big Ten play at Michigan State, Purdue, and Rutgers, all of whom are likely or have the potential to finish near the top of the conference this year. Michigan's home opponents include Washington, Northwestern, Penn State, Oregon, Illinois, and Maryland. Michigan's road slate includes USC, UCLA, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio State, and Nebraska. All in all, it is a rather tough draw for Michigan schedule wise, but with the challenging schedule comes many different opportunities for signature wins that will help them come March.
Despite the expansion to 18 teams, the Big Ten Tournament will only host 15 teams, meaning the bottom three teams' seasons will come to an end immediately following their final regular season. However, this Michigan team should not worry too much about finishing 16th or worse in the Big Ten this year, despite their last place finish last year. The Big Ten Tournament will take place from March 12-16 in Indianapolis, though a higher finish in the standings could earn then a bye or double bye.