REPORT: NCAA Opens Investigation Into Michigan Football Program

Once again, the Michigan Football program is is facing an investigation by the NCAA, this time for alleged rule violations relating to sign stealing.

The Michigan Football program is once again facing an investigation by the NCAA, this time for alleged rule violations relating to sign stealing. First reported by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the NCAA is reportedly investigating rule violations that include in-person scouting of future opponents.  

The NCAA has opened an investigation into No. 2 Michigan over possible rule-breaking around in-person scouting of opponents, sources tell @DanWetzel & me.

NCAA has alerted the Big Ten, the league confirmed to @YahooSports without revealing specifics.https://t.co/EXxXc90hZA

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 19, 2023

Although programs are allowed to scout future opponents using video footage that is provided, the NCAA is investigating whether or not Michigan used "unnamed individuals" to attend opponent games in-person to gather intel. 

"Teams are normally provided extensive video footage to scout opponents. At issue, according to sources, is whether Michigan used unnamed individuals to attend games of both scheduled opponents and possible College Football Playoff opponents in an effort to gather information on the signs they use to call both offensive and defensive plays."

Dellenger is also reporting that two of Michigan's opponents this season said they were aware that Michigan knew their play signs.

"Two of Michigan's opponents this season told Yahoo Sports they became aware that Michigan knew their play signs. Sign stealing does not violate NCAA rules unless the team uses in-game, electronic equipment to relay the information to players on the field or amongst coaches. The 2023 NCAA football rule book addresses sign stealing in a general way under a section titled Prohibited Field Equipment. It states that 'any attempt to record, either through audio or video means, any signals given by an opposing player, coach or other team personnel is prohibited.' No corresponding penalty is listed."

Right around the time that Dellenger's report was released, the Big Ten released its own statement regarding the investigation by the NCAA:

Late Wednesday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference and University of Michigan were notified by the NCAA that the NCAA was investigating allegations of sign stealing by the University of Michigan football program. The Big Ten Conference has notified Michigan State University and future opponents. The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation. The Conference will have no further comment at this time.

We'll have more on this story as it develops.