Michigan football is facing a challenging moment as head coach Sherrone Moore is set to serve a two-game suspension at the start of the 2025 season. This self-imposed sanction comes as the university reacts to the ongoing advanced scouting scandal linked to former staffer Connor Stalions, a situation that has cast a shadow over the program.
The specific games impacted by this suspension are Michigan’s Week 3 matchup against Central Michigan and the Week 4 contest against Nebraska. During this time, Moore will be prohibited from any team-related activities, and additional penalties related to recruiting will also be put in place. Though the university is taking steps to address the situation internally, the NCAA retains the authority to impose further sanctions on Moore, meaning the final outcome is still uncertain ahead of the upcoming season.
As Michigan prepares for its season opener against New Mexico, the spotlight will also be on a marquee nonconference showdown at Oklahoma, where Moore’s connection runs deep—he played as an offensive guard for the Sooners from 2006 to 2007. This particular context adds layers to the significance of the games he will miss.
Moore, who took over as head coach after serving as offensive coordinator, was in a pivotal role during the time Stalions was accused of running an elaborate operation to gain a competitive edge. Allegations suggest that Stalions utilized friends and family to attend rival games, capturing and analyzing opponent signals to enhance Michigan’s strategic advantage.
The NCAA’s inquiry has been extensive, with a Notice of Allegations released in August 2024 citing Michigan for a total of 11 violations—six of which are classified as Level I, marking them as grave offenses. Both Michigan and the NCAA are currently navigating the resolution process, working towards clarity amidst the unfolding events.
A particularly contentious detail in this saga is Moore’s alleged deletion of a thread containing 52 text messages with Stalions on a critical day in October 2023, coinciding with reports that Stalions was intensifying efforts to decode the playcalling signals of Michigan’s upcoming opponents. Although the texts were later recovered through forensic methods, the implications of these actions have contributed to serious ramifications for Moore, who is now facing a Level 2 violation.
It’s important to note that this isn’t the first time Moore has faced disciplinary measures; he was previously suspended for Michigan’s 2023 season opener against East Carolina due to a separate NCAA matter. The timing of this latest suspension, strategically placed early in the season, does allow him to partake in the important contest against his alma mater at Oklahoma, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the heightened scrutiny the program is under.
As Michigan looks to find its footing during these early weeks of the season, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds and the impact it might have both on the field and off. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Moore’s absence affects the Wolverines as they navigate a challenging schedule coupled with the implications of ongoing sanctions.
