Inside Michigan’s $20M NCAA Sanctions: What the Penalties Mean for the Program’s Future

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Bill Belichick, the UNC Tar Heels and Michigan football.

Bill Belichick is the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heel football program. What can UNC players and fans expect from Belichick?

Michigan football is currently facing the fallout from one of the most significant NCAA sanctions in recent memory. The NCAA has penalized the program for its involvement in a sign-stealing scheme, resulting in over $20M in financial consequences. These include a direct $50K fine, a 10% reduction in both the football program’s budget and scholarship funding, and the forfeiture of postseason revenue for the next two seasons. Additionally, Michigan will be on probation for four years, with a 25% reduction in official visits and a 14-week ban on recruiting communications. Despite these harsh penalties, the team avoided a postseason ban—something the NCAA chose to forgo in an effort to avoid punishing current student-athletes for past violations.

Several individuals associated with the program have also been disciplined. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, received a 10-year show-cause penalty, which will begin after a previous order expires in 2028. Current head coach Sherrone Moore has been suspended for three games during the 2025 season, two of which will occur early. In response, Michigan has announced it will appeal the NCAA’s ruling. Despite the chaos off the field, Michigan appears determined to stabilize and refocus its football program ahead of the 2025 campaign.