The Michigan Wolverines football program has finally been dealt its punishment.
Honestly, it could have been a whole lot worse.
The NCAA chose a different path this time, targeting those no longer in Ann Arbor, like Conor Stalions and former head coach Jim Harbaugh, rather than gutting the current team. New head coach Sherrone Moore did take a hit, receiving a two-year show-cause order and a three-game suspension.
The most painful blow came financially. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Michigan will lose roughly $30 million, with at least $20 million of that tied to a two-year postseason fine. That’s a big number, but Thamel noted the Wolverines could easily offset it with about $25 million in College Football Playoff revenue changes coming in 2026.
ESPN’s Peter Burns put it bluntly: this is a punishment Michigan will gladly accept if it means keeping its shiny new trophy.
“Kinda sad to say this…..but worth it tbh,” Burns posted on X.
The 2023 national championship was Michigan’s first since 1997, and only its second since 1948. For a program that’s one of college football’s bluebloods, the drought was glaring — especially compared to archrival Ohio State, which has claimed three titles in the past 25 years.
Burns did add one caveat, though: while it might be worth it to Michigan and its fans, that championship could carry a permanent stain.
“And least now we can finally all agree that Michigan’s title in 2023 was built on cheating,” Burns wrote. “The NCAA, The Big 10 and even Michigan themselves admitted they cheated and broke the rules. Title tainted.”
Unlike in years past, the NCAA didn’t strip wins or vacate the championship. The 2023 season will stay in the record books, banners and all.
Michigan will take it.