If you’re waking up in Ann Arbor today, January 18, 2026, the air is crisp, the coffee is likely from RoosRoast, and the sports calendar is actually pretty packed. People usually just check for football or basketball, but being a Michigan fan means tracking about a dozen different elite programs at once.
Honestly, it’s a big day for the "Olympic sports" that usually fly under the radar. While the #4 ranked men's basketball team is resting after a big West Coast road trip, the wrestling mats and tennis courts are where the action is happening.
Who is Michigan playing today? The Sunday Slate
The biggest highlight on the schedule for Sunday, January 18, is Michigan Wrestling. They are hosting #11 Illinois at the Crisler Center. This isn't just a random dual; it’s a "Wrestle N’ Roll" event, which basically means they try to pack the arena and create an environment that’s just as loud as a Saturday night basketball game.
The dual started early this afternoon, around 2:00 PM. If you missed the live action, it was a nail-biter. Michigan came in ranked #13 and needed a huge performance from their heavyweights to close it out. Illinois jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, but the Wolverines clawed back.
Other Varsity Action
It’s not just wrestling. The Women's Tennis team is currently mid-swing in the Michigan Invitational. This is a multi-day home event at the Varsity Tennis Center. You’ve got some of the best individual talent in the country on those courts right now.
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Meanwhile, Men’s Gymnastics traveled down to Columbus for the Ohio State Open. There’s something specifically satisfying about beating the Buckeyes on their own floor, and the #4 ranked Michigan squad actually just finished 1st out of the four teams competing there.
Over in the pool, the Water Polo team had a tough draw today against #4 Hawaii at the Polopalooza in Fresno. It was a close one—11-10—but the Wolverines couldn't quite pull off the upset.
What happened with Michigan Basketball?
A lot of people are searching for the basketball score because the Wolverines just played. If you’re looking for a game today, you’re actually a day late, but the news is good.
Michigan went out to Eugene and handled Oregon 81-71 on Saturday. Elliot Cadeau is looking like a legitimate star, putting up 17 points and controlling the tempo. It’s a massive win for their tournament resume. They’re sitting at 16-1 now. That lone loss to Wisconsin a week ago feels like a distant memory.
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They don’t play again until Tuesday, January 20, when they host Indiana. That’s going to be a massive Big Ten showdown at Crisler.
The Hockey Update
If you’re a puck head, you probably saw the #1 ranked Michigan Hockey team just finished a series against Minnesota. They didn't play today, but they’re coming off a historic road sweep of the Gophers. Winning at 3M Arena at Mariucci is never easy, but this team looks like they’re on a collision course with a Frozen Four.
They have a bye of sorts before heading to Columbus to play Ohio State on January 30.
Michigan Football: The Post-Moore Era Begins
Even though it’s January and the season is over, the football news is arguably louder than any active game. With Kyle Whittingham now at the helm after the program moved on from Sherrone Moore in December, the transfer portal is moving fast.
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Just this weekend, the Wolverines landed a commitment from Salesi Moa, a four-star athlete from Utah. It’s clear Whittingham is bringing some of his Salt Lake City connections with him to the Big House. Between the coaching changes and the 2026 recruiting class starting to take shape, there's no such thing as an "off-season" in Ann Arbor anymore.
Getting to the Games
If you’re planning on heading to the Michigan Invitational for tennis or checking out the remaining events this week, keep a few things in mind:
- Parking at Crisler: It’s always a gamble. If there isn't a major basketball game, you can usually find spots in the SC-7 lot, but check the signs. Ann Arbor meter maids are notoriously efficient.
- Streaming: Most of today's events like wrestling and gymnastics are on B1G+ or the Big Ten Network.
- Tickets: For sports like wrestling and gymnastics, you can often walk up to the box office, but for the upcoming Indiana basketball game, you’re definitely going to be looking at the secondary market.
Keep an eye on the weather if you're driving in from the suburbs. Those January winds off the Huron River are no joke.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go ahead and download the MGoBlue app. It’s the most reliable way to get live scoring updates for the non-televised events. If you're looking for tickets for the Indiana game on Tuesday, check the official Michigan Athletics ticket portal tonight before the prices spike after the Oregon win.