Michigan suspends analyst at center of alleged sign-stealing scheme

Michigan announced Friday that analyst Connor Stalions has been suspended following an NCAA investigation into Michigan's alleged sign-stealing process.

Athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement that the Stallions will be suspended with pay until the investigation is complete. The studs were identified by several Big Ten staff members on Yahoo Sports in an article published Friday.

“We were told to be careful because they had a guy who could pick plays,” one Big Ten coach told Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports. “It was too late in the week to change our signals, but another staff member told us about (Stallions).”

It is not against NCAA rules to decipher and steal an opposing team's signals. However, it is against NCAA rules to scout teams in person. If the NCAA determines that Michigan's efforts involved in-person testing, the school could face sanctions.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has denied knowledge of a scheme to steal signs or recognize opponents in person.

News of the alleged scheme broke days before Michigan played rival Michigan State on Saturday. The Big Ten said in a statement that it has informed Michigan State and other future Michigan opponents of the investigation.

“The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of the utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation,” the conference said in a statement Thursday. “The conference will make no further comment at this time.”

This NCAA investigation also follows Harbaugh's self-imposed three-game suspension at the start of the 2023 season for a separate NCAA investigation into Level II rule violations at the school related to recruiting. A resolution regarding this NCAA investigation is expected sometime after the season.