Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore screams from the sideline against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Connor Stalions saga is over -- at least as far as the NCAA is concerned. The Michigan Wolverines football program, however, will have to pay for it this season and the next.

The NCAA sanctions for Michigan's sign stealing scandal came down heaviest on former head coach Jim Harbaugh and Stalions, who was the star in the middle of a very dumb solar system in 2023. While the Wolverines went on to win the national championship that season, the accomplishment was marred by accusations Stalions set up an elaborate system to steal opponents' offensive and defensive signs and signals. An investigation led to Friday's punishment, which includes a 10-year show-cause penalty for Harbaugh (meaning any NCAA organization looking to hire him will have to "show cause" to specifically bring him into the fold without his penalty following him. This effectively soft bans him from the sideline) and eight years for Stalions.

Current head coach Sherrone Moore was also handed a two-year show-cause penalty. He'll be suspended three games for his role in the scandal as the team's then-offensive coordinator that fall. Two this upcoming season and also the season opener in 2026.

Why is Sherrone Moore suspended for Michigan's first game in 2026?

Michigan attempted to appease NCAA investigators and lessen its sentence by self-imposing punishments before Friday's ruling came down. That included a two-game suspension for Moore this fall. The NCAA didn't feel that was enough and tacked on a third game, though not to be served immediately after that original two-game suspension or even in 2025 at all. As such, the Wolverines will have their head coach on the sideline for every game but Week 3's tilt against Central Michigan -- a MAC opponent who will be a multiple touchdown underdog but who also played a significant role in the spying allegations -- and Week 4's Big Ten opener against Nebraska.

The NCAA's ruling means Michigan will also be barred from 2026's planned opener against Western Michigan. Despite the show-cause penalty, Moore is "not prohibited from engaging in coaching or other athletically related activities during the show-cause period."

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why the Michigan football punishment includes a 2026 suspension

Reporting by Christian D'Andrea, For The Win / For The Win

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