The University of Michigan is pushing back against the NCAA claims that the Wolverines football program engaged in a sign-stealing operation, reportedly led by former staffer Connor Stalions.
Back in August, the NCAA issued a notice of allegations (NOA) accusing Michigan of 11 infractions, including six classified as the most serious Level I violations. However, the university is fighting back, arguing that the accusations are exaggerated and lack solid proof against key staff members, including former head coach Jim Harbaugh and current head coach Sherrone Moore.
According to a report by Yahoo Sports, Michigan submitted a detailed 137-page response to the NCAA, asserting that the organization has overstepped its authority. The university response challenges the legitimacy of the charges, describing them as unsupported and calling for the case to be downgraded to a less severe Level II infraction. Unlike some programs that negotiate settlements in such cases, Michigan has made it clear that it will not enter a plea deal with the NCAA.
Michigan acknowledges that certain instances of unauthorized in-person scouting and minor recruiting violations did occur but insists that the NCAA has exaggerated the severity of these issues. While stealing signs during games remains legal, an NCAA rule introduced in 1994 prohibits teams from conducting in-person scouting of future opponents.
The case will now proceed to a hearing before the Division I Committee on Infractions, an independent panel responsible for reviewing NCAA violations and issuing penalties. Michigan has indicated that it will provide details of any self-imposed disciplinary actions during the hearing.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Michigan response claims that the initial tip-off to the NCAA came from within the program. The university has raised concerns about the NCAA relying on anonymous sources, emphasizing that any allegations should be backed by individuals willing to be publicly identified.
One of the most controversial aspects of the case involves Moore, who is accused of deleting 52 text messages exchanged with Stalions something the NCAA considers a Level II violation. These messages, some of which reportedly referenced sign-stealing, have been scrutinized, but Michigan maintains that they were not directly related to an illegal scouting scheme.
Among the texts, Stalions allegedly shared insights with Moore about upcoming opponents, including a juicy report  on Colorado State in 2022 and Michigan State blitzing tendencies. A particularly unusual message from April 2023 referenced a visit from Central Michigan assistant coach Jake Kostner to Michigan’s facility. Kostner later resigned after the NCAA launched an inquiry into Stalions  alleged presence on Central Michigan sideline in disguise during a game against MSU.
Michigan and Moore have admitted that the messages were deleted but argue they were not significant to the investigation. According to Yahoo report, Moore explained that he erased the texts out of frustration after the controversy erupted, believing that Stalions was unfairly receiving credit for the team hard work during their championship campaign.
Meanwhile, Stalions, Harbaugh, and other former staff members, including Chris Partridge and Denard Robinson, remain at the center of the NCAA Level I charges.
With a final decision expected by March 13, 2025, Michigan is preparing for a high-stakes battle to defend its program reputation and minimize potential penalties.
