Michigan is pushing back against the NCAA’s accusations in the ongoing investigation into the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal. The university claims the NCAA has overreached in its charges and exaggerated the severity of the infractions. Michigan submitted a detailed 137-page response, arguing that many of the allegations lack factual support and that the alleged sign-stealing operation had minimal impact on competition.
Michigan’s Response to NCAA Allegations
The NCAA’s investigation resulted in 11 alleged violations against Michigan, six of which are classified as Level I infractions, the most serious category of NCAA violations. The allegations primarily stem from an alleged sign-stealing scheme linked to Connor Stalions, a former recruiting assistant for the Wolverines.
In its response, Michigan contends that the NCAA has exaggerated aggravating factors while ignoring mitigating evidence. The university insists that NCAA investigators have not proven that any Michigan coaches were aware of or involved in Stalions’ actions.
Defense of Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore
Michigan’s response also defends key figures, including former head coach Jim Harbaugh and current head coach Sherrone Moore. Harbaugh, who left for the Los Angeles Chargers in January 2024 after leading Michigan to a College Football Playoff championship, was accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation. However, Michigan dismissed this claim as “without merit.”
Sherrone Moore, who served as offensive coordinator in 2023 before being promoted to head coach, was also implicated. The NCAA alleges that Moore deleted 52 text messages exchanged with Stalions on the day the investigation became public in October 2023. While Michigan acknowledges that Moore deleted the messages, it argues that they were irrelevant to the investigation and that Moore fully cooperated with NCAA officials.
Moore defended his actions, stating that he deleted the messages out of frustration, not to hide evidence. Some of the texts referenced sign-stealing—a common practice in college football—but none indicated advance in-person scouting, which is explicitly prohibited by NCAA rules.
Michigan’s Stance on the Sign-Stealing Accusations
The NCAA claims that Michigan used advance in-person scouting to record opponent signals, a violation of NCAA rules. However, Michigan argues that much of the signal decoding was legally obtained through television broadcasts and publicly available footage.
The university also challenges allegations against Connor Stalions, stating that he attended only one game in person. Michigan claims that other games were attended by low-level staffers or Stalions’ friends and family, which, according to the school, does not violate NCAA rules.
What’s Next for Michigan and the NCAA?
The dispute between Michigan and the NCAA will soon head to a hearing before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. The outcome could have significant implications for Michigan football, depending on how the committee rules on the allegations.
Michigan is vigorously defending itself against the NCAA’s allegations, arguing that the charges are exaggerated and not supported by concrete evidence. The university insists that its football program did not engage in significant rule-breaking and that any sign-stealing activities were minimal in impact. As the case moves forward, Michigan will continue to challenge the NCAA’s findings, setting up what could be a pivotal moment for the program’s future.
