Report: Michigan, Sherrone Moore withdraw appeals in sign-stealing case

The University of Michigan, along with its head coach, Sherrone Moore, have withdrawn their appeals to the NCAA regarding its case involving advanced scouting, ESPN reports. Moore reportedly withdrew his appeal on Sept. 29 and Michigan did the same on Oct. 6.

Both parties filed their appeals with the NCAA shortly after Michigan was found guilty of committing several Level I infractions in the case centered around sign-stealing. The University released a statement at the time stating that the decision makes “fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws,” that includes conclusions that were made “directly contrary to the evidence.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said that supported Michigan’s decision to appeal the case at the time. The University also said they plan to consider all other options.

This was in response to the Aug. 15 ruling that would place Michigan on four years of probation. In addition Michigan also has to play a $50,000 fine plus 10% of the football program’s budget, a fine “equal to the anticipated loss of postseason competition revenue-sharing from 2025 and 2026,” and the equivalent to 10% of scholarships awarded for 2025-26.

Moore got his with a two-year show cause order as a result of the ruling. Former analyst Connor Stalions, who was infamously at the center of the investigation, also received an eight-year show-cause while former head coach Jim Harbaugh received a 10-year show-cause.

Other stipulations and restrictions came with the ruling. However, one plus for the Wolverines is that it avoided having to vacate its past victories — including its 2023 national championship.

“I appreciate Coach Moore’s continued commitment to ensuring his program operates in compliance with applicable rules,” Manuel said after the ruling. “I acknowledge the Committee on Infractions’ decision to not penalize our current student-athletes by eliminating postseason opportunities; however, a postseason ban should never have been a consideration in this case.”

In addition to the aforementioned penalties, Moore also served a two-game suspension this season against Central Michigan and their Big Ten opener against Michigan. He’s also scheduled to sit out during the 2026 opener against Western Michigan.

The Wolverines are currently 6-2 overall and are ranked No. 21 in the country after defeating Michigan State 31-20 during Week 9. Looking head, the Wolverines will host Purdue on Saturday before heading into their bye week. The Game against Ohio State looms shortly after they return to action.