Matt Rhule calls out Michigan sign-stealing in defense of Deshon Singleton's eligibility

Deshon Singleton is likely in his final year of college football, running out of eligibility. The last three years have been spent in Lincoln with Nebraska, playing in 27 games. Just five of those were during the 2023 season before going down with an injury. And since five appearances took place, Singleton cannot redshirt and potentially return.

His injury took place on the first snap against Michigan while being blocked on a run play. Matt Rhule believes the sign-stealing scandal could have played a role in knowing where Singleton would be on the play, resulting in the crackside block.

Fighting to get Singleton another year of eligibility, Rhule argued to the NCAA that the game would eventually not count in the record book. The defensive back’s number of games played would lower to four, granting him a redshirt, and the opportunity to come back. Unfortunately, the NCAA did not agree with Rhule’s assessment.

However, he still took time during his Monday press conference to once again state his case.

“Obviously everything that happened against Michigan last year seems like there’s some cloak of, you know, whatever,” Rhule said. “(Deshon Singleton) got cracked on a run play. Did they know it was a run play? Is that game gonna count in a couple years? I thought he shouldn’t get penalized for one play in a game that’s, in my mind, is not even a real game. But the NCAA disagreed.”

Rhule did go to battle for his guy but believes Singleton will be in the NFL next season, no matter what. A great season at safety has improved his stock in Rhule’s opinion.

“I think DeShon, even if you could (return), is going to go pro,” Rhule said. “I think he’s probably going to get some invites, I think he’s racing up people’s boards right now.”