Ohio State football fans are eagerly awaiting the NCAA's decision on Michigan's alleged cheating during last year’s college football season. The heart of the scandal revolves around signal stealing, spearheaded by former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, and the impact it has had on multiple matchups, particularly those against the Buckeyes.
It’s been over a year since the NCAA began investigating these claims, yet as of March 15, 2025, there has been no official punishment handed down to the Michigan football program. Michigan responded to the Notice of Allegations just this past January, but still, questions linger: Will the NCAA take decisive action before the upcoming 2025 season?
The allegations raised serious concerns over the integrity of the sport, challenging Michigan’s impressive performance, including their controversial victory of the 2023 national title. According to reports, fans of Ohio State have been increasingly vocal about the need for accountability from the NCAA as the investigation continues without clarity on its outcome. "Will there be any punishment brought down on them before the start of the 2025 season?" one frustrated Buckeye fan reflected, highlighting the growing impatience amid the fanbase.
The NCAA is known for its sluggish pace when handling such investigations, and the absence of rapid corrective measures has led to rampant speculation within college football circles. The Buckeyes managed to clinch the national championship title with full legitimacy, avoiding any implication of cheating—a stark comparison to Michigan's tainted championship which may be re-evaluated pending potential sanctions. "The Buckeyes were able to win the national championship without having any sort of asterisk on their title," one anonymous sports journalist stated, emphasizing the glaring contrasts between the two programs.
Adding to the tension, sources indicate potential outcomes for Michigan could include vacated wins dating back to when these allegations first surfaced. There’s even chatter about potential ramifications for the coaching staff, where some predict, "It's likely they will vacate some wins, and Sherrone Moore might even get fired because of his involvement with the team at this point," noted one insider source familiar with the situation.
With the clock ticking down to the new season, the Ohio State community remains adamant about seeing consequences for Michigan's actions. The widespread sentiment within Buckeye Nation is one of hope mixed with frustration—a demand for justice not just for the sake of rivalry, but for the integrity of college football itself. Speculation swirls about the timing and severity of impending punishments, as fans wonder if any action will occur before the season commences.
While Michigan remains relatively quiet amid the storm, the gravitational pull of the NCAA’s verdict grows heavier each passing day. The uncertainty leaves Ohio State enthusiasts anxious for clarity—anticipation for official responses and any potential ramifications echoing through the streets of Columbus.
The NCAA's ability to deliver swift justice, or lack thereof, will significantly impact the rivalry, the perception of both programs, and the broader discourse within college sports. If the NCAA opts to delay or issue lenient penalties, it would not only impact the dynamics of future showdowns on the field but could also set troubling precedents for how integrity is governed moving forward.
Ohio State football fans are firmly rooting for accountability to be exercised, as they look to re-establish their dominion over the rivalry amid the growing scrutiny on Michigan.