Cason departs Michigan for Miami following ACL injury and coaching shift
The rising junior, who suffered a season-ending torn knee injury in February, is expected to join the Hurricanes for the latter stages of the 2026-27 campaign.
Michigan basketball point guard L.J. Cason has transferred to the University of Miami, ending his tenure with the Wolverines following a significant shift in the program’s leadership. Cason, a Lakeland native, originally committed to Florida Atlantic before being recruited by head coach Dusty May to join Michigan in April 2024. His departure comes after May left the university in June to accept the head coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks.
Cason entered the transfer portal as the sole player out of Michigan’s 14 scholarship athletes to do so. He had been experiencing a breakout season prior to a torn ACL that ended his campaign in February. During that month, he averaged 11.8 points per game, including a nine-point performance in 13 minutes during a road victory against Illinois where the injury occurred. This followed a previous season where he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 assists per game.
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. publicly supported the decision, acknowledging the disruption caused by the coaching change. Speaking on the "Defend The Block" podcast, Boynton described Cason as a "champion" who had contributed significantly to the program. He stated that while he was disappointed not to continue coaching Cason, he respected the player’s choice to pursue the best path for his career and wished him success in his recovery.
The transfer is subject to specific NCAA regulations regarding eligibility. Under the league’s five-in-five rule, which eliminates medical redshirt options, Cason is expected to become eligible for the second half of the 2026-27 season. There is no provision for a medical redshirt in this instance, meaning his return is contingent on his physical recovery rather than a season-saving waiver.
Cason’s exit leaves Michigan with 13 scholarship players and a backcourt featuring senior point guard Elliot Cadeau alongside projected first-round talents Trey McKenney and Brandon McCoy Jr. The program is expected to recruit another backcourt player to fill the vacancy. Cason returns to his home state of Florida, where he previously attended Victory Christian Academy, to join the Miami Hurricanes.
