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.
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.
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.
UNDATED (AP) — The Associated Press has learned an NCAA panel is scheduled to discuss potential changes to eligibility rules that would incorporate age into the process. Two people with knowledge of the situation told AP the proposal would give athletes five years of eligibility with the clock starting at the earliest of two dates: either when they turn 19 or graduate high school. The people did not want their names used because the NCAA hasn’t publicly discussed the proposal.
NEW YORK (AP) — Michigan’s 69-63 victory over Connecticut on Monday night averaged 18.3 million viewers on TBS, TNT, truTV and HBO Max, making it the most-watched men’s NCAA Tournament final since 2019. The audience for Michigan’s first title since 1989 peaked at 20.4 million for the conclusion between 11-11:15 p.m. EDT. It was a 23% increase from the 2024 final on TNT. CBS and TNT started alternating the Final Four in 2016. Overall, the tournament averaged 10.9 million across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. It is the second-most watched March Madness since 1994, which aired entirely on CBS, and a 7% increase over last year.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The transfer portal has opened in college basketball, marking a crucial phase for teams aiming for the 2027 title. More than 1,200 players have already entered the portal, with hundreds more expected. Michigan won the NCAA championship with transfers playing key roles. The Big Ten swept the football championship and both Division I basketball titles this year.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina will play its final tune-ups for the World Cup at the college football stadiums of Texas A&M and Auburn. Lionel Messi’s team will face Honduras on June 6 at the Aggies’ Kyle Field, which has a capacity of over 102,000 in College Station. Argentina will then play Iceland at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9 — two days before the start of the World Cup co-hosted by in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Argentine Football Association announced the details on Thursday.
