NCAA Tournament star's decision could impact Michigan's repeat hopes

Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) celebrates after their win against the UConn Huskies. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

NCAA Tournament star's decision could have major impact on Michigan's repeat hopes

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 10:31 PM ET

Just four days after winning the 2026 national title, the Michigan Wolverines are already making moves to bolster their repeat odds.

On Thursday, ESPN college athletics insider Pete Thamel reported that Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau, named Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four, is returning to the university for his senior season after the two sides reached a deal.

During March Madness, Cadeau, who transferred from the North Carolina Tar Heels last offseason, averaged 12.3 points, 7.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc, making two threes on 5.2 attempts per game.

Michigan secures major return with Elliot Cadeau set to come back for senior year

NEWS: Michigan and star point guard Elliot Cadeau have agreed to a deal for him to return for his senior year, he told ESPN. He was named Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four. pic.twitter.com/3Yg1QAHHqX
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 10, 2026

Cadeau's return gives coach Dusty May one less starter to replace from his national champion roster. As the Detroit Free Press recently noted, three Michigan players are projected first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, which is tentatively scheduled for the week of Jun. 22.

Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg, an Associated Press first-team All-American, is out of college eligibility. He averaged 15.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Wolverines. Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. and center Aday Mara could return, but with their stock trending up, this might be the best time for both to turn pro.

Johnson started all 40 games and averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while the 7-foot-3 Mara gave Michigan enviable size in the paint, averaging a Big Ten-high 2.6 blocks per game.

May already made one transfer portal splash to make up for the departing talent, adding former Tennessee Volunteers 6-11 forward J.P. Estrella earlier Thursday.

While May will need to attack the portal more over the next couple of weeks as players look for 2026-27 homes, he won't have to worry about replacing his primarily ball-handler, erasing a potentially major concern as Michigan aims to become the second repeat champion in the past five years.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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