While the Michigan Wolverines are still undergoing the aftermath of the 2023 sign-stealing scandal, another university has been given closure in the matter.

The NCAA released its findings on Central Michigan’s role in Connor Stalions sign-stealing saga on October 30. The Wolverines’ coach was present in the stands when CMU took on Michigan State in 2023. While Michigan came under the scanner, questions were also raised on whether Stalions was aided by CMU.

Why Did Connor Stalions Get Punished by NCAA?

On Thursday, the role of Central Michigan and how the staff aided Connor in the sign-stealing scandal unfolded.

According to the NCAA rules, recording opponents’ signals and signs via electronic means is prohibited. In September 2023, Stalions was spotted on the sidelines of Michigan Central, allegedly wearing Chippewas gear and Meta glasses to record the game against the Michigan State Spartans.

The probe uncovered four new names in the scandal. Jake Kostner, a former assistant football coach. Nate Mason, a former coordinator of athletic equipment operations. Mike McGee, former director of recruiting. And Jim McElwain, former football head coach.

“Central Michigan and four former football staff members have reached an agreement with the NCAA enforcement staff on sportsmanship violations that occurred within the football program,” the document stated.

How did the NCAA uncover the sideline presence?

According to the investigation, former assistant football coach Jake Kostner had a “pre-existing” relationship with Stalions. He formulated the plan for Stalions to be present at the game against the Spartans to identify and decipher play-calling signals. He then asked Nate Mason, the former coordinator of athletic equipment operations, for ‘coaching-issued gear.’ Neither Mason knew the identity of the individual for whom the gear was being issued, nor did Kostner supply the reason. However, according to the report, Mason was aware that it was Kostner’s friend, who was skilled in deciphering signals.

Kostner then coordinated with Mike McGee, former director of recruiting, to get Stalions access under an alias. During the game, Stalions was spotted standing close to Central Michigan’s football staff. Since all this happened on the sidelines of the then-head coach Jim McElwain, he was held responsible for their violations.

Due to the involvement of Central Michigan’s staff in helping Connor Stalions, the governing body imposed a $30,000 fine, 1% of the team’s football budget, and a two-year probation on Central Michigan. Moreover, the four individuals found to have been involved in the scandal have received additional individual consequences, including suspensions and show-cause orders.

What punishments did Stalions specifically face?

In August, the NCAA listed out a lengthy list of punishments for the Wolverines. Stalions was suspended with an eight-year show-cause order. The order would restrict him from all athletically related activities during the set period. The show-cause began on August 15, 2025, and will continue till August 14, 2033.

According to the report, he arranged for the illegal scouting of at least 13 future Michigan opponents (which is prohibited by NCAA rules) between 2021 and 2023. On July 12, 2025, he wrote on X. “There were 7 games in my time at Michigan where I knew almost every signal the whole game: 2021 MSU, 2022 MSU, 2022 PSU, 2022 OSU, 2022 TCU, 2021 Georgia, and 2021 Wisconsin.” Though, in his defense, he further added. “The continuous attempt to correlate signals to any wins & losses at Michigan is funny.”

Meanwhile, after the scandal was uncovered and before the order was produced, Stalions had resigned from Michigan following initial reports of allegations and had been coaching high school athletes. During September 2024, he served as the acting football head coach at Detroit Mumford High School and was “around” the Belleville High School program in November 2024.