The NCAA Committee on Infractions has handed down one of the most severe punishments in recent memory, issuing the University of Michigan football program a significant fine of more than $20 million and loss of postseason football revenue for the next two seasons, according to a report by ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore is given an additional game suspension, which is expected to take place in 2026. The school already proposed a self-imposed two-game ban for this upcoming season, which is slated for Week 3 and 4.
The ruling, which will be officially announced Friday after months of speculation, brings closure to a case that has been described as one of the most "unusual and controversial" in NCAA history.
Sources: Among Michigan’s punishments in the NCAA COI ruling, per me and @danwetzel:
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 15, 2025
*Michigan receives a significant fine, expected to be more than $20 million, from loss of postseason football revenue for the next two seasons.
*Michigan coach Sherrone Moore is given an… pic.twitter.com/r7YD2CCUqq
Background of the Case
The investigation centered on former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who was accused of orchestrating a wide-reaching operation to scout opponents in person. An action prohibited under NCAA rules. While stealing signs during games is legal, advance in-person scouting is banned.
According to the NCAA’s findings, Stalions purchased tickets to games at nearly every Big Ten school and arranged for individuals to record opponents’ sideline signals. Between 2021 and mid-2023, this illicit scouting reportedly occurred at least 58 times, targeting 13 future opponents. In one extreme case, the same opponent was scouted seven times during the 2022 season.
Stalions resigned in 2023 after the scheme was uncovered, but the fallout extended far beyond his departure from the program. The NCAA ultimately charged Michigan with 11 violations—six of which were Level I infractions. The most serious classification alongside multiple current and former coaches and staffers.
Impact on Current and Former Coaches
Moore was cited for failing to cooperate with investigators after he deleted a text message thread with Stalions on October 19, 2023. It was the same day the scandal broke. Although the texts were later recovered and contained no proof Moore knew of Stalions’ activities, the NCAA deemed the deletion a serious breach. Moore is considered a potential “repeat violator” due to a prior recruiting infraction in 2023, for which he served a one-game suspension.
Former head coach Jim Harbaugh, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, faces potential show-cause penalties and sanctions that effectively block coaches from being hired related to this case. Harbaugh already received a four-year show-cause order in 2024 for a separate recruiting violation.
NCAA Findings and Penalties
The Committee on Infractions’ decision not only imposes the postseason loss of revenue but also opens the door to the significant fine, suspensions, and show-cause penalties for those implicated. The NCAA has in recent years moved away from postseason bans in many cases, making this decision notable for its severity.
Moving Forward for Michigan
The Wolverines enter the 2025 season ranked No. 14 in the preseason AP Top 25. They open at home against New Mexico on August 30 before traveling to No. 18 Oklahoma on September 6.
Despite capturing the 2023 national championship after Stalions’ resignation, this ruling casts a shadow over the program’s immediate future. For the next two seasons, Michigan will lose a great deal of revenue. While the NCAA’s ruling may close the book on the investigative process, the repercussions for Michigan football will be felt for years
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