Report: Michigan's 2024 CFP Title Unlikely to Be Vacated After Sign-Stealing Scandal

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore and six other members of the 2023 Michigan football team are facing sanctions in the fallout of the school's sign-stealing scandal, with Moore potentially looking at a show-cause penalty and even a suspension.

But ESPN's Pete Thamel said Monday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that the Wolverines likely won't face retroactive penalties like giving up last season's national championship:

"Talking to people who trade in this NCAA infractions space in the last 24 hours, the one thing I'm certain of is that any accomplishments that they won will not be taken away," he said. "Those typically involve players who are not eligible. There's really no players involved in this. That is as close to certain as you can possibly be when dealing with the NCAA. And then a postseason ban... it's extremely difficult to get a postseason ban."

"From people I spoke to yesterday, it would shock the landscape of people who live in this infractions world every day if Michigan was given some type of postseason ban," he added.

It's more likely that Michigan is facing a fine than any sort of on-field punishment.

Moore, in particular, is facing potential penalties for deleting 52 text messages between himself and former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who was accused of orchestrating the school's sign-stealing operation.

Because he's seen as a second-time offender—Moore also came under the ire of the NCAA for contacting recruits during a COVID-19 dead period—his individual punishments could be more severe than what the school faces as a whole.

Former Michigan coaches or staff members also charged with violations related to the sign-stealing scandal include former head coach Jim Harbaugh—now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers—Chris Partridge and Denard Robinson.

Former coaches Jesse Minter and Steve Clinkscale have been charged with recruiting violations unrelated to the sign stealing.

"Our athletic department and university continue to cooperate with the NCAA regarding our ongoing investigation," a Michigan spokesperson told ESPN's Thamel and Dan Murphy in a statement Sunday. "We do not have an update to share regarding its status at this time."