ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Elliot Cadeau, who was named the Final Four’s most outstanding player after helping Michigan to its first national title since 1989, announced on social media that he will be back with the Wolverines next season. The point guard said in an Instagram reel on Thursday night “let’s do it again” after his return was first reported by ESPN. Cadeau tied a season high with 19 points in Michigan’s 69-63 victory over UConn in the national championship game. He averaged 10.5 points and 5.9 assists in his first season with the program after two years at North Carolina.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Three days after winning its first national title since 1989, Michigan has started retooling its roster for next season. J.P. Estrella confirmed on Instagram Thursday that he is transferring from Tennessee and joining the Wolverines. ESPN was first to report Estrella’s move. A 6-foot-11 forward, Estrella averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds last season for the Volunteers, who lost to Michigan 95-62 in the Elite Eight. Estrella, who appeared in 33 games and made 13 starts this season, had seven points and seven rebounds in that game. Estrella will graduate from Tennessee in the spring and has two years of eligibility remaining.
NEW YORK (AP) — Five Ohio State players plan to attend the first round of the NFL draft on April 23. Defensive back Caleb Downs, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate will be in the green room in Pittsburgh waiting for their name to be called. Ohio State has a chance to join Michigan State in 1967 and Notre Dame in 1946 as the only schools to have four players selected in the top 10. Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the projected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to watch the draft in Miami.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Arvell Reese could be the first defensive player off the board during the first round of the NFL draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. There isn’t a clear consensus, though, on the best position for the Ohio State linebacker. Scouts and defensive coaches praise Reese for his versatility. Most think he can develop into an elite pass rusher, while others envision him more as an off-ball linebacker. Reese was an edge rusher and middle linebacker his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, but it was Matt Patricia’s arrival as defensive coordinator last year that unlocked Reese’s full potential. Patricia lined up Reese as a joker defender, which is a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher who can play on the edge or move inside to spy on the quarterback or contain opposing running backs.
UNDATED (AP) — The NIL deals that are transforming college sports are also allowing NFL teams to gain insight into how a young player will react to having money before they get a big pro contract. For many evaluators, it has become an important tool in the draft process. A prospect who stays focused despite lucrative deals is more likely to make a smoother transition to the pros. Scouts want to see if a player’s performance dips after making a lot of money or if he maintains the same work ethic and consistency. How they interact with teammates is also a key dynamic.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Simon Tassy and Ryan Botterill scored 27 seconds apart in the first period and Wisconsin defeated North Dakota 2-1 to put the Badgers in the Frozen Four title game for the first time since 2010. The Badgers will play Denver in the championship game Saturday. Wisconsin has won six titles, its most recent coming 20 years ago. Wisconsin defeated North Dakota for the first time in the NCAA Tournament after going 0-3 against the Fighting Hawks. Wisconsin also beat a No. 1 seed for the second time in a row.
UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten amassed nearly $70 million in revenue from NCAA distributions awarded for team appearances and performances in the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. The Big Ten swept the national championships with Michigan winning the men’s and UCLA the women’s. The Southeastern Conference totaled $56.2 million. Distributions will total $42.9 million for the Big 12, $34.2 million for the Atlantic Coast Conference and $22.2 million for the Big East. The NCAA since 1991 has rewarded conferences for having its teams appear and advance in the men’s tournament. A similar system for the women’s tournament began in 2025.
