Scarlet Sunrise: Big Ten ADs reportedly believe league must 'step up' in handling Michigan

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Big Ten ADs reportedly believe league must ‘step up’ in handling Michigan

Less than 24 hours after reporting that Big Ten coaches urged the league to take action against Michigan Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke another story Thursday night. This time, it was the Big Ten athletic directors who reportedly met with first-year conference commissioner Tony Petitti.

The ADs believe the Big Ten must “step up” in handling Michigan, according to Thamel’s report, which notes the ADs left the call with an understanding that Petitti is giving the Big Ten’s “ability to punish Michigan” more consideration than before.

Just as Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was not present for the 60 minutes Big Ten coaches reportedly discussed the Wolverines’ sign-stealing investigation with Petitti Wednesday, Michigan AD Warde Manuel wasn’t on hand for Thursday’s AD video call with the league commissioner, per Thamel.

Petitti didn’t talk about any potential punishments for Michigan during his call with the conference’s ADs, except he did mention that he has been in contact with the NCAA about its investigation into Michigan, according to Thamel’s report. Petitti wants “a set of facts” before making a decision on Michigan this season, per Thamel.

That fact set would likely come from the NCAA’s investigation, and it’s unclear whether the NCAA would share that information with the Big Ten at this time.

Here’s an important distinction, too, via Thamel:

“Petitti said on the call he needs to still speak with the Big Ten presidents on the matter, have deeper discussions with officials at Michigan and potentially speak again with the NCAA, per sources. That left no decision imminent…”

Pete Thamel, ESPN

So a lot still needs to be sorted out.

But, according to Thamel, Petitti assured Big Ten ADs Thursday that he’s heard his conference members. And the ADs showed support to their new commissioner during a video call that was reportedly more measured than Wednesday’s emotional meeting between Petitti and Big Ten coaches.

RELATED

• Big Ten coaches reportedly calling for league to take action against Michigan
• Ohio State reportedly one of several Big Ten schools to alert TCU of Michigan sign stealing
• Ryan Day, Jim Knowles decline to comment on alleged sign-stealing operation at Michigan
• Michigan staffer reportedly bought but didn’t use Ohio State-Penn State tickets

Ohio State reveals dates for 2024 schedule

The Big Ten revealed the dates for its complete 2024 conference slate Thursday. That news rounded out the Buckeyes’ 12-game regular season schedule for next year, which includes just four road games in an expanded Big Ten.

Ohio State’s first West Coast game is an Oct. 12 matchup at Oregon. The week before that, the Buckeyes host Iowa. That could be the most difficult two-game stretch of the year for head coach Ryan Day’s team.

All things considered, though, the Buckeyes got a favorable draw. Unlike this year, they don’t open or close the year on the road, and they don’t have back-to-back games away from Ohio Stadium.

For the full schedule, go here.

Lettermen Lounge: Recapping wild October for Buckeyes on recruiting trail

One of the busiest months of the calendar — not only on the gridiron but also on the recruiting trail — is in the books for Ohio State.

The latest episode of the Lettermen Lounge focuses on the trail.

Co-hosts Spencer Holbrook and Matt Parker discuss the Buckeyes’ recruiting success in October. They debated the question of which recent commitment from a 2025 prospect is most impactful.

You can check it out here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Rutgers: 1 day
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 22 days

Are you subscribed yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.