CBS released their Way Too Early top 25 for the 2019 season. Michigan, which finished No. 2 in the AP in 2018, just barely makes the top 25:
No. 22 Michigan
- Coach: John Beilein
- 2017-18 record: 33-8
- Notable players definitely gone: Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahkman, Duncan Robinson, Jaaron Simmons
- Other expected departures: Moritz Wagner
- Notable players expected to return: Charles Matthews, Zavier Simpson, Jordan Poole, Isaiah Livers, Jon Teske, Ibi Watson, Eli Brooks, Austin Davis
- Expected additions: Brandon Johns, Ignas Brazdeikis, David DeJulius, Colin Castleton, Adrien Nunez
- Why the Wolverines are ranked here: If Mo Wagner returns, the Wolverines will definitely be much higher than 23rd. But even without him Michigan belongs in the Top 25 (and one) — as long as Charles Matthews doesn’t also jump early to the NBA Draft. The Kentucky transfer averaged 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds this season. His development under John Beilein, like most players’ development under the top-shelf coach, has been noticeable.