The Michigan Wolverines, who currently hold an undefeated record of 11-0 as well as boasting the third best NCAA football team across the nation and a massive win over Ohio State, have faced an ongoing scandal that questions the character of the team itself.
The issue centers around coach Jim Harbaugh, who was recently sentenced to a 3-game suspension by the Big Ten Conference – the league of NCAA football in which Michigan plays. However, more punishments in the future may come as some argue that the sentence has not nearly made up for the acts committed by the organization.
While no specific rule in the NCAA guidelines prohibits the deciphering of signals of different teams, recording signals or in-person advanced scouting has been restricted for nearly three decades. Allegations against Michigan accuse the team of purchasing tickets and sending people to record and scout teams throughout their games. The team was also accused of using monetary rewards for those who did attend and scout games.
Multiple pictures have surfaced on social media, including a photo of a staff member at a game on September 1st, dressed up in the opponent’s gear. Although Michigan has suspended the staff member identified in the photo, the NCAA and many coaches of Big Ten schools are still pushing for more penalties for the team.
NCAA commissioner Tony Petitti has headed the investigation for the past few months, and now awaits word from a judge to find out whether the penalty will stand or not. Michigan argues that the commissioner has “no right” to suspend Harbaugh, especially when the investigation has not yet been completed. Furthermore, the team claims that many other schools within the Big Ten Conference have been stealing signs by similar means.
While Michigan waits for the issue to be resolved in the presence of a judge, its players have spoken out against the NCAA’s penalties and protested in numerous ways. Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy received online attention after wearing a shirt that said “Free Harbaugh.” The organization of Michigan has also declared that they will take the issue to court if necessary and “100% back up” coach Harbaugh and the staff.
Will Hennigar ‘26 noted that Michigan did break the rules and that coach Jim Harbaugh“ has not been punished enough for his actions” – a popular take among many viewers of college football. Ethan Ho ‘26 also proposed the idea that teams should simply be able to communicate with their coaches through helmets as the NFL has been doing for the past few decades. The student argued that this change would stop the issue of sign-stealing entirely while letting teams play at a “higher level.”
Whether Jim Harbaugh is ultimately banned from coaching college football or not, the sign-stealing scandal will go down as a monumental event in the NCAA. In the coming months, a judge will make a decision that would either release Michigan from the allegations or possibly tear down all of its achievements. Either way, avid college football fans should be sure to monitor the situation closely – especially in the coming months.
