Ann Arbor, Michigan – The long, winding, and often strange saga surrounding Michigan football and its sign-stealing scandal appears to be nearing its conclusion. The NCAA has informed involved parties that it will announce the findings and potential punishments of the investigation on August 15. This news comes as a relief to many as the scandal has been a cloud over the football program since it was first reported in October 2023.
During this turbulent period, the Wolverines achieved significant success, winning their first national championship since 1997. The program also saw the departure of long-time head coach Jim Harbaugh, who left for an NFL position, and the rise to notoriety of a once-unknown staffer, Connor Stalions.
The NCAA’s Committee on Infractions will recommend a punishment, which Michigan can appeal. Earlier this year, the Wolverines claimed the NCAA was “grossly overreaching” and made “wildly overcharging” allegations in response to a notice that included 11 NCAA infractions, with six of those being Level I violations, the most serious type of offense in NCAA rules.
To address the potential fallout, Michigan has proactively suspended head coach Sherrone Moore for two games in the upcoming 2025 season, specifically for the contests against Central Michigan and Nebraska. Moore was Michigan’s offensive coordinator amid the scandal and faced accusations of deleting 52 text messages from Stalions.
As the Wolverines, currently ranked No. 14 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, prepare for their season opener on August 30 against New Mexico, the shadow of the scandal looms large. The investigation began in October 2023, during a championship-winning season, over alleged impermissible advanced scouting. This operation was led by Stalions, who reportedly organized staff to attend games of future opponents and film coaches’ hand signals, which is against NCAA bylaws. The potential advantage of such actions was described as “huge” by a power conference head coach.
The NCAA became involved when an outside firm provided evidence of illicit scouting, which implicated several coaches at Michigan. Stalions ultimately resigned in November 2023 after refusing to cooperate with investigations, while linebackers coach Chris Partridge was dismissed for reportedly destroying evidence.
Even after the turmoil, Michigan kept winning, with then-offensive coordinator Moore stepping in as interim head coach and leading the team to victory against top-tier opponents like Penn State and Ohio State despite Harbaugh’s suspension.
The impending announcement on August 15 will determine the next chapter for Michigan football in this ongoing story filled with unexpected developments.
