Breaking: NCAA Hits Michigan Football with Penalty for Rule Violation — Team to Pay Financial Penalty
May 8, 2025 – Ann Arbor, MI — The NCAA has handed down penalties to the University of Michigan football program following an investigation into multiple recruiting violations, the association confirmed Thursday morning.
According to the NCAA’s findings, members of the Wolverines’ staff engaged in impermissible recruiting communications and off-campus contact with high school prospects during a designated quiet period. The violations were classified as Level II and involved both coaching staff and support personnel.
As a result, Michigan has been fined $200,000 and will face a loss of two official visits and a reduction in recruiting communication days for the 2025 recruiting cycle. The program will also serve a one-year probationary period, although no postseason ban or scholarship reductions have been levied.
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel issued a statement Thursday afternoon:
“We take the NCAA’s ruling seriously and have already taken steps to ensure full compliance moving forward. While these were secondary violations, we recognize they fall short of our standards.”
Interim Head Coach Sherrone Moore, who took over the program after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, added:
“We’re focused on the future and on doing things the right way. Our staff understands the responsibility that comes with representing Michigan Football.”
The NCAA noted that Michigan fully cooperated with the investigation and self-reported the violations after an internal compliance audit flagged the infractions in late 2024.
The penalties, while not program-threatening, serve as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny on recruiting practices in the modern college football landscape.
