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Michigan's Cadeau wins Final Four's Most Outstanding Player

Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Elliot Cadeau was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 Final Four after leading Michigan to its first NCAA Tournament title since 1989.

Cadeau matched his season high with 19 points in the Wolverines' championship win over UConn on Monday night. He also contributed 13 points and 10 assists in a dominant semifinal victory against Arizona.

The junior guard was crucial for Michigan on Monday, as both teams struggled from the field. Cadeau's 3-pointer with just under 13 minutes left in the contest gave the Wolverines their largest lead in the game. He also went 8-for-9 from the free-throw line and added two assists and three boards.

Cadeau's MOP award caps off an incredible turnaround season for the 21-year-old guard. A five-star recruit out of high school, he committed to North Carolina in 2023 and spent two seasons with the Tar Heels. He went 1-8 from the field with just four points in his final game at North Carolina as a sophomore before ultimately transferring to Michigan in March 2025.

Cadeau started every contest for the Wolverines during the 2025-26 season, averaging over 10 points a game while shooting 37% from the 3-point line.

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