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Newsstand: Report says Connor Stalions scouted MSU for CMU, not Michigan

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome08/18/25anthonytbroome
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The bluster over former Michigan Wolverines football staffer Connor Stalions picked up again over the weekend with the NCAA handing down its sanctions on Friday, which U-M will appeal.

One of the most striking visuals of the saga was photos and video of Stalions appearing on the sideline for Central Michigan in its 2023 opener at Michigan State. While many wanted to link it to his alleged scheme at Michigan, a report from CBS Detroit confirms he was there at the request of the former CMU coaching staff.

A Central Michigan University source has confirmed that CMU football coaching staff requested former University of Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions to assist its staff during CMU’s 2023 season opener against Michigan State University on Sept. 1, 2023.

Stalions was at the center of Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing scheme, which sparked an NCAA investigation and resulted in hefty fines and suspensions for the university’s football program and for Stalions, who was given an eight-year show-cause order, restricting him from all athletically related activities during the show-cause period.

Two sources with direct knowledge of the incident confirmed to CBS News Detroit that a CMU coach initiated contact with Stalions and that then-head coach Jim McElwain was likely aware of and approved of the arrangement to secure Stalions a sideline credential and outfit him in CMU-issued gear.

Stalions was issued an 8-year show-cause order from the NCAA on Friday for his role in the sign-stealing operation. CMU is also under investigation from the NCAA.

Tweets of the day

Michigan quote of the day

“Chip Lindsey came from UNC and had (NFL quarterback) Drake Maye. He told me straight up, ‘we’re obviously going to be throwing the ball a lot more.’ It’s Michigan, so obviously they are going to be running the ball. But he said ‘we are going to be throwing the ball way more than we have been, especially with the No. 1 quarterback in the country, Bryce Underwood.’ You just have to. You can’t just run the ball with the No. 1 quarterback (laughs).”

– Michigan wide receiver commitment Zion Robinson on the offense under new coordinator Chip Lindsey and No. 1 quarterback Bryce Underwood

Headlines of the day

Wolverine TV: Training clips of four-star Michigan DB commit Jordan Deck
From The Road: Thoughts and intel on Michigan CB commit Dorian Barney
Four-star Michigan WR commit Zion Robinson locked in, ready to see new offense
Kalen DeBoer reacts to Michigan punishment in sign-stealing scandal: ‘It is what it is’
College Football Playoff: ESPN predicts 2025 12-team bracket, full bowl slate

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