Ohio State AD: Michigan CFB Wins Should Have Asterisk After Sign-Stealing Scandal

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith had no issue saying Michigan won its national title unfairly after last year's sign-stealing scandal.

In an interview with All Sides with Anna Staver (h/t CBS Sports' David Cobb), Smith was asked whether he thinks the Wolverines' national title should be accompanied by an asterisk, to which he responded, "Of course I do."

"The rules are in place to protect the integrity of the game and try your best to create a level playing field," Smith said. "When those rules are violated, then it affects those principles. We have to keep that in perspective."

The NCAA began investigating Michigan for allegedly scouting future opponents in person in October, beginning what came to be one of the biggest storylines in college football last year.

At the forefront of the scandal was former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions, who resigned in November after allegations that he purchased tickets to more than 35 Big Ten and non-Big Ten games over the course of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The scandal led to a three-game suspension for former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh from the Big Ten for the final three games of the regular season, though the Wolverines won each of those games, including one over Ohio State.

Harbaugh returned for the postseason, leading the Wolverines to their first championship of the College Football Playoff era.

Now, Harbaugh is in the NFL ranks and is gearing up for his first season as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers while the NCAA's investigation into Michigan remains open.

Michigan has won the last three contests against Ohio State, but the Buckeyes are looking to get a revenge win next season as the Wolverines begin a new era under head coach Sherrone Moore.

After last season's sign-stealing saga, Ohio State will have some added motivation to take down its biggest rival.