If you’re refreshing your phone every five seconds to find out what is the score of michigan game, you probably caught a wild Sunday in Ann Arbor. Between the wrestling mats and the basketball hardwood, things are moving fast.
Michigan sports fans aren't just looking for one number today. They're looking for several.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Michigan wrestling team took center stage at the Crisler Center. They weren't just participating; they were fighting for their lives in a Big Ten dual that felt more like a street fight than a sporting event.
Michigan Wrestling Grinds Out a Win Over Illinois
The No. 13 Wolverines just wrapped up a nail-biter against No. 11 Illinois. Final score? Michigan 18, Illinois 14. It wasn't easy. Honestly, it was a rollercoaster that featured five separate lead changes. You could feel the tension in the building when the Wolverines fell behind early. Illinois jumped out to a 7-0 lead after the first two bouts, and for a second there, it looked like the home crowd was going to go home disappointed.
But this team has grit.
Dylan Ragusin started the comeback with a 3-0 decision at 141 pounds. Then Lachlan McNeil and freshman Cameron Catrabone followed suit. By the intermission, Michigan had clawed back to lead 9-7.
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The turning point? Probably Hayden Walters at 197 pounds. He’s a redshirt freshman, ranked 20th, but he wrestled like a seasoned vet. He secured a last-second takedown to beat Dylan Connell 5-1. That move put Michigan back in front 15-14 heading into the final match. Graduate student Taye Ghadiali then did what he does best, sealing the deal with a 7-4 decision at heavyweight.
The Wolverines are now 3-0 in the Big Ten. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
No. 4 Michigan Basketball Wins Big on the Road
While the wrestlers were grinding in Ann Arbor, the men’s basketball team was flying back from Eugene with a massive "W" in their carry-ons. On Saturday, January 17, Michigan took care of business against Oregon.
The final score in that one was Michigan 81, Oregon 71.
If you missed the highlights, Elliot Cadeau was the star. He dropped 17 points, looking like the best point guard in the country for long stretches. The Wolverines are now 16-1. Think about that. Their only loss came weeks ago, and they’ve responded by absolutely steamrolling opponents.
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Nimari Burnett chipped in 15, and the big man Aday Mara added 12. Michigan’s length just overwhelmed the Ducks. Even with Morez Johnson Jr. getting into foul trouble (he only played 17 minutes), the depth on this roster is terrifying for the rest of the Big Ten.
The Wolverines shot 49% from the field. They outrebounded Oregon 36-30. Basically, they did everything they were supposed to do as a top-five team.
What Happened in Michigan Hockey and Water Polo?
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for every Wolverine team this weekend.
The No. 1 ranked Michigan hockey team is still the king of the mountain, though. They completed a road sweep of Minnesota on Saturday night with a 3-2 overtime victory. Winning at 3M Arena at Mariucci is never easy, but this squad is different. It’s their first road sweep of the Gophers since 2018. That’s a massive statement.
However, the women's water polo team had a tougher time. They faced No. 4 Hawaii on Sunday morning and nearly pulled off an incredible comeback. They fell just short, losing 11-10. They were down 7-3 at halftime and fought all the way back to make it a one-goal game, but the clock ran out on them.
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Looking Ahead: The Football Roster Shuffle
Even though there isn’t a football game to check the score for right now, the "score" in the transfer portal is what everyone is talking about.
Just today, Sunday, January 18, Michigan landed a big commitment from North Dakota State linebacker Nathaniel Staehling. This is huge because Michigan is losing its top three linebackers—Jimmy Rolder, Jaishawn Barham, and Ernest Hausmann—to the NFL and graduation.
Staehling was an All-MVFC Honorable Mention and a tackle machine for the Bison. He brings a veteran presence to a room that desperately needs it.
Current Michigan Scores Summary (Jan 18, 2026)
- Wrestling: Michigan 18, Illinois 14 (Final)
- Men's Basketball: Michigan 81, Oregon 71 (Saturday Final)
- Men's Hockey: Michigan 3, Minnesota 2 (Saturday Final - OT)
- Water Polo: Hawaii 11, Michigan 10 (Final)
- Men's Gymnastics: Michigan took 1st place at the Ohio State Open today.
Why the Michigan Score Matters Right Now
The Big Ten is a gauntlet this year. Whether it’s the wrestling mat or the basketball court, every single win is a brick in the wall for postseason seeding. For the basketball team, staying at one loss is vital for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. For wrestling, moving to 3-0 in the conference puts them in the driver's seat for a top-three finish in the Big Ten.
You’ve gotta love the way this athletic department is clicking right now. From hockey being ranked No. 1 to basketball sitting at No. 4, it's a good time to be a fan in Ann Arbor.
If you’re tracking these games for betting purposes or just pure fandom, keep an eye on the injury reports. Oregon was missing its two leading scorers against Michigan basketball, which definitely skewed the margin. In wrestling, the return of Lachlan McNeil to the lineup has been the spark that changed their season trajectory.
Your Next Steps for Following Michigan Sports
To stay ahead of the curve, you should check the Big Ten Network schedule for the upcoming Michigan vs. Indiana basketball game on January 20th. Also, keep an eye on the football transfer portal tracker; the window for underclassmen is technically closed, but grad transfers and waiver seekers can still pop up at any time. If you’re a hockey fan, the Wolverines have a bye week before heading to Columbus to face Ohio State on January 30th.