NCAA Denies Ex-Michigan Staffer's Appeal of 8-Year Show Cause Penalty

Connor Stalions was at the center of the infamous 2023 Michigan football sign-stealing scandal.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee has denied the appeal of former Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions, who was hit with an eight-year show-cause penalty for his role in the 2023 sign-stealing scandal involving the Wolverines program. Stalions argued there were procedural errors and misapplications of NCAA bylaws, but the committee affirmed the original findings and sanctions.

Why it matters

The sign-stealing scandal rocked college football and led to suspensions for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, though the Wolverines still went on to win the national championship that season. Stalions' continued exile from the sport highlights the NCAA' s efforts to punish those involved in major rule violations, even if the team itself found success.

The details

Stalions, a former low-level recruiting staffer, was accused of orchestrating an advanced scouting operation to illegally decode opponents' sideline signals, providing Michigan with an unfair competitive advantage during their dominant 2021-2023 run. The NCAA prohibits in-person advance scouting of future opponents, and investigators examined whether Stalions' actions gave the Wolverines an edge.

  • In 2023, the sign-stealing scandal involving the Michigan football program became public.
  • Later in 2023, the NCAA handed down an eight-year show-cause penalty to Connor Stalions.
  • In February 2026, the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee denied Stalions' appeal of the show-cause penalty.

The players

Connor Stalions

A former low-level recruiting staff member for the Michigan football program who was at the center of the 2023 sign-stealing scandal.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Michigan football team during the 2023 season, who faced intense scrutiny over the program's oversight and accountability but led the Wolverines to the national championship that year before departing for the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“The appeal has been denied. In a letter on the decision, the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee "affirmed the appealed findings of violations and application of aggravating factors.”

— Ross Dellenger, Reporter (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Stalions will have to wait out the remainder of his eight-year show-cause penalty before being eligible for employment in college football again.

The takeaway

The NCAA's harsh punishment of Stalions, a low-level staff member, underscores the governing body's efforts to crack down on major rule violations, even if the team itself found success during the scandal. This case will likely serve as a cautionary tale for programs and personnel seeking to gain an unfair competitive edge.