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Michigan announces plans to appeal sanctions, cites ‘fundamental errors’
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Michigan plans to appeal the sanctions it received from the NCAA on Friday afternoon that stemmed from a lengthy investigation into the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal.
The harshest penalties were levied on individuals who are no longer with the program. Former coach Jim Harbaugh received a 10-year show-cause penalty and ex-staffer Connor Stalions was hit with an 8-year show-cause.
However, the NCAA also levied significant fines and recruiting restrictions against Michigan in addition to a suspension for coach Sherrone Moore. Moore is already set to serve a two-game suspension that was self-imposed in 2025-26, but the committee on infractions added a third game to that suspension to be served in 2026-27.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Michigan says the Committee on Infractions made “fundamental errors” in its assessment:
We appreciate the work of the Committee on Infractions. But, respectfully, in a number of instances the decision makes fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws; and it includes a number of conclusions that are directly contrary to the evidence — or lack of evidence — in the record. We will appeal this decision to ensure a fair result, and we will consider all other options.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel also released a statement on the matter, supporting the university’s decision to file an appeal.
Here is that statement in full:
It is never our intent to be in a position where we are accused of any rules violations. I fully support Coach Sherrone Moore, our student-athletes and staff as they prepare for the season ahead. I appreciate Coach Moore’s continued commitment to ensuring his program operates in compliance with applicable rules. I acknowledge the Committee on Infractions’ decision to not penalize our current student-athletes by eliminating postseason opportunities; however, a postseason ban should never have been a consideration in this case. I fully support the university’s decision to pursue an appeal. Coach Moore and I will not have any further comment.
Michigan will open the 2025 season with New Mexico on Aug. 30.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.