The University of Michigan awaits the decision of the NCAA Committee on Infractions hearing that determines if Michigan will receive any more penalties for the Connor Stalions scandal. Even though the process will take even longer to reach its culmination, the damage has been done.
The likelihood that anyone will ever know what actually happened, is slim to none. The fact that advanced scouting lasted for three years is, on one end, laughable and on the other end, disappointing. But the truth of the matter is, the general consensus amongst those in college football is that Michigan cheated. No questions asked. Case closed. Will the Michigan Wolverines change that narrative in the upcoming season? That is still to be determined.
Suspending Sherrone Moore for games three and four of the college football season was a step in getting ahead of the scandal by Michigan. Possibly. Games against Central Michigan and Nebraska aren't quite the magnitude of the game against Oklahoma, which is the second game on the schedule. Choosing those two games was an interesting choice by the Michigan brass. Getting ahead of the NCAA is one thing, but the NCAA may not see that as a substantial step.
The expectations for the 2025-2026 season may not be one where the Michigan Wolverines are title contenders. Losing key players to the NFL like Mason Graham and Colston Loveland will be major blows to the team, but the acquisition of a new offensive approach (coordinator) and the signing of key players like Bryce Underwood should make substantial gains in the upcoming season.
Moore, having coached one full season, should also have an impact on this team, considering that now he has had time to instill his message. Beating Ohio State last year and the vitriol that followed the game will even heighten the rivalry this season. Having the game in Michigan will be a huge advantage and one that should not be taken for granted. Even without a supposed title team, the expectations will continue to be there for the Wolverines, despite the adversity.
Whatever penalties the NCAA decides to impose on the Wolverines will have an impact, no matter the number. The Stalions scandal is still hanging overhead, even a few years after the story first broke and disrupted the college football season. For the leadership at Michigan, they could have only hoped that this would not have lasted as long as it has. Whether it was ineptitude or just a general lack of knowledge, the University of Michigan can only hope the penalties don't cost them more than a few recruiting sanctions (and fines plus Moore's suspension) and that the national championship from 2023 doesn't get stripped away.
The Wolverines' bumpy 2024 campaign ended in somewhat of a Cinderella way, beating Ohio State and Alabama at the end of the season, but the fairytale, in a lot of ways, was short-lived. With so much change throughout the off-season and the continued spinning cycle that is college football, Michigan is primed for a promising or underwhelming season. There is no in between.
With Michigan's storied history, there never really has been, and with looming controversy, average won't move the needle within the fanbase. For now, the fanbase mostly seems optimistic, but the Wolverines have to win. That is the landscape of college football. Looming sanctions or not.