NCAA Issues Ruling On Connor Stalions' 8-Year Show Cause Penalty
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For over two years former Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions has been accused of being the key figure in the infamous 2023 sign-stealing scandal. Stalions has been effectively exiled from college football due to an eight-year show-cause penalty and has been appealing the ruling from the NCAA. Today the decision came in.
According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the appeal has been denied. In a letter on the decision, the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee "affirmed the appealed findings of violations and application of aggravating factors."
Stalions argued that there were "procedural errors" in the way the case was handled and that the bylaws on his scouting violations were "misapplied." But those arguments apparently were not sufficient to grant him a reprieve.
The NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee has denied the appeal of Connor Stalions. The committee “affirmed” the appealed findings of violations and application of aggravating factors. pic.twitter.com/CdlDNp8JPw
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 12, 2026
The Scandal
The Michigan sign-stealing scandal of 2023 centered on allegations that the University of Michigan football program orchestrated an advanced, in-person scouting operation to decode opponents’ sideline signals in violation of NCAA rules. At the heart of the investigation was Stalions, then a low-level recruiting staffer, who allegedly purchased tickets to games involving future Michigan opponents and organized a network to record sideline signals.
The NCAA prohibits in-person advance scouting of future opponents, and investigators examined whether Stalions’ actions provided Michigan with an unfair competitive advantage during the Wolverines’ dominant 2021 to 2023 run. Stalions was suspended and later resigned amid mounting scrutiny as evidence of the operation became public.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh denied knowledge of any improper scouting scheme but faced intense scrutiny over the program’s oversight and accountability. The Big Ten Conference ultimately suspended Harbaugh for the final three regular-season games of the 2023 season, citing sportsmanship and competitive integrity concerns, though Michigan continued to win during his absence.
The NCAA investigation extended beyond the season, raising questions about institutional control and potential penalties. Despite the controversy, Michigan completed an undefeated campaign and won the College Football Playoff National Championship, leaving the scandal as a defining and polarizing chapter in both Harbaugh’s tenure and modern college football history.
Stalions and Harbaugh both landed on their feet though.
Harbaugh bolted for the Los Angeles Chargers right after winning the national title. He's led the team on back-to-back playoff appearances since making the move.
As for Stalions, he's gone into high school coaching and has continued helping his beloved Wolverines by helping them flip high school recruits.
It seems that Stalions won't have to wait long for new employment once his show-cause order is lifted.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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