What is Michigan's sign-stealing scandal? More about staffer Connor Stallions, allegedly behind it

So far, the Michigan Wolverines' 2023-24 season has been a great one. The Wolverines have won all eight of their games. The team is on course to retain its Big Ten Championship and appear at the national championship game this season after losing the last two semifinals.

However, there's been a series of off-field distractions for the Wolverines. Coach Jim Harbaugh faced allegations of recruiting violation, which got him a three-game self-imposed ban earlier in the season. In addition, Michigan's latest scandal involves sign-stealing allegations.

Let's take a look at everything involved in the ongoing scandal.

What are the Michigan sign-stealing allegations?

The Big Ten announced on October 19 that the NCAA is conducting an investigation into alleged sign stealing by the Michigan football program. This inquiry is centered on allegations of improper in-person scouting of both current opponents and potential future opponents.

“Late Wednesday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference and the University of Michigan were notified by the NCAA that the NCAA is investigating allegations of sign stealing by the University of Michigan football program,” the Big Ten said in a statement released on Oct. 19.

It's important to note that the NCAA has prohibited in-person scouting of college football opponents since 1994. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that sign stealing is permissible as long as it doesn't involve the use of electronic means to transmit information to players or coaches.

The allegation currently under investigation by the NCAA accuses the Wolverines of sending personnel to games with the intent of acquiring play signals from upcoming opponents. Two of Michigan's opponents have reported their concerns to the NCAA regarding the possibility of the Wolverines engaging in sign-stealing activities.

Connor Stallions is believed to be the mastermind

Connor Stallions, a member of the Michigan staff, is allegedly at the center of Michigan's sign-stealing controversy and is the primary focus of the NCAA's investigation. Stallions is a retired United States Marine Corps captain and now works as a football analyst.

According to ESPN, the level of interest in Stallions by the NCAA enforcement staff is so substantial that it has requested access to his computer as part of its investigation process. The university has also taken the step to suspend Stallions without pay in the wake of the investigation.

The Wolverines listed Connor Stallions as a staff member in the recruiting department. However, he has previously shared images of himself standing alongside two former Michigan defensive coordinators on the sidelines during games.

Reports have also shown that Stallions bought tickets for more than 30 games at 11 Big Ten schools over the last three years.