The Michigan Wolverines dominated the college football headlines over the weekend after the NCAA handed down a punishment for the program’s role in a sign-stealing scandal under former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan ultimately avoided any postseason ban and faced no repercussions regarding their 2023 Big Ten and national championships, which were won during the early stages of the investigation. Instead, the NCAA imposed a four-year probation on the program, levied fines expected to total over $20 million, and included no-show causes on Harbaugh and Connor Stalions, who were central figures in the scandal.
The Michigan Wolverines dominated the college football headlines over the weekend after the NCAA handed down a punishment for the program’s role in a sign-stealing scandal under former head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Michigan ultimately avoided any postseason ban and faced no repercussions regarding their 2023 Big Ten and national championships, which were won during the early stages of the investigation.
Instead, the NCAA imposed a four-year probation on the program, levied fines expected to total over $20 million, and included no-show causes on Harbaugh and Connor Stalions, who were central figures in the scandal.
Full Michigan punishments here. pic.twitter.com/DPcGYiYM6A
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 15, 2025
Additionally, current head coach Sherrone Moore received a one-game suspension to begin the 2026 season, which will run concurrently with the university’s self-imposed two-game suspension that Moore will serve in Weeks 3 and 4 this season.
Ex-Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer Reacts to Sanctions
The news has drawn reactions from all corners of the sports world, and one of the most notable came from former Ohio State head coach and national champion Urban Meyer, who didn’t hold back on the NCAA’s ruling.
“In December of 2011, I had to stand in front of a group of seniors and tell them they were not allowed to play in a bowl or championship game in their final year of college football for something they had nothing to do with," Meyer said. "It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. That same group went 12-0 and were unable to compete for the national championship."
The recent ruling to not punish players who weren’t involved is correct. However, this decision also proves that the NCAA, as an enforcement arm, no longer exists.”
Urban Meyer weighs in on Michigan’s sanctions. Catch the full reaction Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/GffQns7Oee
— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) August 19, 2025
Meyer’s 2011 moment—when he had to tell the Buckeyes’ seniors they would not be allowed to participate in any postseason games—stemmed from an NCAA-imposed punishment during Jim Tressel’s tenure.
The sanctions came as a result of players trading memorabilia for tattoos and cash, which Tressel failed to report to either the NCAA or the university, ultimately leading to his resignation.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Meyer took over as head coach and led the program through 2018 before stepping down, handing the reins to current coach Ryan Day. Unlike Day's recent struggles against the Wolverines, Meyer finished his Ohio State career with an impressive 7-0 record against Michigan.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names College Football Program 'On the Verge' of a Dynasty
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: General Sports
