Michigan football finally has one big answer from the NCAA they’ve been waiting for as infractions case develops originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
The Michigan Wolverines will finally be facing the music when it comes to the NCAA infractions case that has taken almost two years to develop. The sign-stealing scandal that has overtaken much of the conversation about the 2023-24 National Championship team has created an unending conversation amongst fans and rivals about the severity of their actions. This Friday will bring an end to the speculation.
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Most importantly, the findings of the investigation will put many questions to rest. While the punishment is important, the actual fallout for what will happen to Michigan in the future is likely less impactful than who knew about what was happening behind closed doors. It’s hard to imagine Michigan would deal with too many future limitations, given that almost every key party is already gone from the program.
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In October 2023, the NCAA launched an investigation into the University of Michigan’s football program for alleged sign-stealing, violating NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which prohibits in-person scouting of opponents during the same season. The probe centered on Connor Stalions, a low-level staffer who resigned in November 2023 after orchestrating an elaborate scheme.
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Stalions purchased tickets to over 30 games across 11 Big Ten schools from 2021-2023, allegedly sending associates to record opponents’ sideline signals using prohibited electronics, creating a significant paper trail. Notably, Stalions appeared on Central Michigan’s sideline during a September 2023 game against Michigan State, raising further suspicions.
The Big Ten suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the 2023 season, citing a violation of the conference’s sportsmanship policy, though no evidence linked Harbaugh directly to the scheme. Michigan self-imposed a two-game suspension for current head coach Sherrone Moore in 2025 for deleting 52 text messages with Stalions, later recovered. The university also fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge for allegedly destroying evidence. Michigan argued the NCAA overreached, claiming much of Stalions’ operation used legal avenues, with only one confirmed game scouted by Stalions himself.
The scandal sparked controversy, with rival schools like Ohio State, Purdue, and Rutgers accused of sharing Michigan’s signals. Despite the turmoil, Michigan won the 2023 national championship. The NCAA’s findings may include penalties like scholarship reductions or vacated wins, with Michigan able to appeal. The case, fueled by a tip from an outside firm, highlighted widespread sign-stealing practices in college football, prompting debates over NCAA rules and competitive fairness.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.