The NCAA Committee on Infractions (COI) issued its ruling today in the Michigan Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal, stemming from a 2023 case in which a Michigan staffer attended Big Ten opponents’ games to steal their signs ahead of the Wolverines’ national title run.
While the punishments were significant, the school did not receive a postseason ban, and the NCAA explained the reasoning behind that decision.
Why Michigan Avoided a Postseason Ban in the NCAA Sign-Stealing Ruling
In 2023, it was revealed that Connor Stalions, a Michigan personnel staffer, had attended 30 games across 11 Big Ten schools to steal opponents’ signs, giving Michigan an unfair advantage.
The NCAA investigated the case for two years, and following a hearing in June, the COI found the Wolverines guilty of 11 rule violations. Today, the NCAA delivered its ruling.
Michigan was fined $20 million, tied to lost postseason revenue over the next two seasons, and head coach Sherrone Moore is expected to face a suspension of an unspecified length in the 2026 season.
While these penalties are severe, many expected Michigan to receive a postseason ban, especially since the sign-stealing contributed to their 2023 national championship.
However, the NCAA decided against a ban, citing that it would be unfair to punish current players for the actions of former coaches and staff no longer with the program.
The NCAA had this to say about not issuing a postseason ban for Michigan
“The panel determined that a postseason ban would unfairly penalize student-athletes for the actions of coaches and staff who are no longer associated with the Michigan football program.”
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) August 15, 2025
“The panel determined that a postseason ban would unfairly penalize student-athletes for the actions of coaches and staff who are no longer associated with the Michigan football program,” the NCAA said.
While the punishments may not seem severe enough for Michigan’s actions, the NCAA’s decision not to penalize current Wolverines players is fair.
Stalions left the program shortly after the sign-stealing scandal came to light in 2023, and head coach Jim Harbaugh departed after the season to coach the Los Angeles Chargers.
Punishing the current team with a postseason ban, many of whom never played under Harbaugh, would have denied them the chance to compete in meaningful games during their college careers.
Although the team won’t face a postseason ban, it’s important to remember the NCAA did sanction Moore, who was involved in the scandal and reportedly deleted over 50 text messages with Stalions. The university is also planning a self-imposed two-week suspension for Moore during the 2025 season.
With no postseason ban on the horizon, the Wolverines can focus on competing for a national title in 2025. After finishing 8-5 in 2024, the team is aiming to turn things around this season.