The NCAA has levied significant penalties against the University of Michigan’s football program following an extensive investigation into an impermissible sign-stealing and scouting scheme that unfolded over multiple seasons. The sanctions include a heavy fine estimated at over $20 million, suspensions for key coaching staff, and show-cause penalties for involved individuals.
The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions released its decision on August 15, 2025, uncovering a systematic scheme orchestrated by former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions. The scheme involved off-campus, covert scouting of opposing teams during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons. Stalions directed a broad network—referred to internally as the “KGB”—to attend games in person, purchase tickets, and gather video footage of opponents’ signals, which were later decoded and communicated back to Michigan’s coaching staff during games.
Documents and testimonies showed that Stalions spent nearly $35,000 on tickets alone in 2022, attending games disguised even in opposing teams’ gear to avoid detection. Notably, he was reported to have worn Central Michigan coaching attire while scouting a game against Michigan State, underscoring the elaborate nature of the operation.
Among the key coaching personnel implicated, Offensive Coordinator Sherrone Moore received a suspension. Moore is expected to serve a two-game suspension during the 2025 season with an additional one-game suspension proposed for 2026, which he may appeal. The NCAA also issued a Level 2 failure to cooperate violation against Moore.
Former Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, now in the NFL, was cited with a Level 1 head coach responsibility violation and received a 10-year show-cause penalty. Similarly, Connor Stalions was handed an eight-year show-cause penalty, effectively barring both from roles in NCAA football programs for the duration.
The University of Michigan faces a substantial financial penalty, including a fine estimated at more than $20 million, based on projected postseason shares from the Big Ten and College Football Playoff revenues for the upcoming years. This fine approximates the loss of postseason football revenue for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and includes a $50,000 direct fine plus a fine equivalent to 10% of the football program’s budget and scholarships.
The NCAA ruling detailed that although sign-stealing and in-game signal interpretation is common among Division I football programs, the method and scale of Michigan’s illegal off-campus in-person scouting activities went far beyond accepted practices. The football program’s failure to monitor staff and to fully cooperate during the investigation also contributed to the severity of penalties.
This investigation marks one of the most significant enforcement actions in recent NCAA football history, highlighting how technology and covert scouting methods have intensified the scrutiny of program compliance. While Michigan avoided a postseason ban, the financial and reputational impact is consequential.
Michigan plans to appeal aspects of the ruling and continues to review internal controls and staff supervision procedures following the scandal. The university had previously self-imposed some penalties, including a three-game suspension for Harbaugh during the 2023 season after initial allegations surfaced.
The NCAA’s detailed findings, including interview testimonies, ticket purchase records, and game day scouting logs with coach names noted, showcase a sophisticated intelligence operation during games that crossed legal boundaries and competitive fairness.
Sources include the NCAA Committee on Infractions public decision document, reporting from ESPN and CBS Sports, and statements from Big Ten conference officials and involved parties.