Connor Stalions’ NCAA Appeal Denied, Further Cementing Fallout from Sign-Stealing Scandal
The NCAA has officially denied Connor Stalions’ appeal of the penalties handed down for his role in the now-infamous sign-stealing operation, effectively closing the door on any return to college football coaching for the foreseeable future. It’s another chapter in a saga that rocked the sport and left a lasting mark on one of its most storied rivalries.
Stalions, who was found to have illegally obtained signals from multiple programs-including Ohio State-has been hit with a significant show-cause penalty. That punishment makes it extremely difficult for any NCAA program to hire him without facing additional scrutiny. Despite maintaining his innocence and continuing to file appeals, the NCAA stood firm, reaffirming its original decision and signaling that it views his actions as a serious breach of competitive integrity.
This latest ruling adds weight to the sanctions already levied against both Stalions and the Michigan program, which was implicated in the broader investigation. While Stalions has remained adamant that his actions didn’t violate NCAA rules, the governing body clearly sees it differently-and they’re not budging.
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of the scandal continue to be felt. Jim Harbaugh, who was Michigan’s head coach during the time of the violations, has since moved on to the NFL.
But for Stalions, who was a central figure in the controversy, the fallout has been far more damaging. With the NCAA doubling down on its stance, his path back to the college sidelines appears all but closed.
For Ohio State fans, this decision adds another layer to a rivalry that needs no extra fuel. The Buckeyes were among the programs reportedly targeted in the signal-stealing operation, and while the NCAA hasn’t vacated any wins or titles, many in Columbus view Michigan’s 2023 championship run through a skeptical lens. Fair or not, the perception of an asterisk next to that title isn’t going away any time soon.
Adding to the Buckeyes’ satisfaction is the fact that Ohio State bounced back in a big way. They captured a national title of their own in 2024 and finally broke their losing streak to Michigan in 2025, flipping the momentum in one of college football’s most heated rivalries. With the program trending upward and Michigan navigating the aftermath of sanctions and leadership changes, Ohio State appears poised to reclaim control in the years ahead.
As for Stalions, the denial of his appeal is a clear message from the NCAA: actions have consequences. And in this case, those consequences may have permanently altered the trajectory of his coaching career.