Michigan is falling again! After slowly and steadily building itself up under new head coach Sherrone Moore after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, the sign-stealing scandal has opened the door to more dilemmas. With the latest NCAA Notice of Allegations on UM, as reported by ESPN, the Wolverines HC’s future hangs on a thread of uncertainty. 

Where do players go when their leader is drenched in hot water? Sherrone Moore will likely face a suspension for his involvement in the sign-stealing scandal. But even before everything can be ruled out, somebody who gave Michigan hope is already hopping out of the mess. And this messy scandal seems to have given him an ultimatum.

Recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman posted devastating news for Michigan on Instagram on August 5. The post featured a photo of WR Phillip Wright of the 2024 class with the word “DECOMMITTED” in big, bold letters. Rivals initially confirmed that the 4-star Destrehan WR “who picked the Wolverines over LSU and Georgia in July… is no longer committed to Michigan.”

As per 247Sports rankings, Wright is the No. 68 receiver and is considered one of the nation’s fastest football prospects of his class. While this decommitment clashes with Moore’s trouble with the NCAA, it’s worth noting that Brian Kelly and LSU have been actively recruiting him. They even hosted the 5’11″, 175-pounder for their annual “Bayou Splash” over the July 24 weekend. However, this truly is a big blow for Michigan, in addition to the possible consequences that Moore could face.

Sherrone Moore’s predicament with the NCAA

According to the ESPN report, Sherrone Moore is one of the seven coaches linked with the sign-stealing scandal last season. Connor Stalions, who was the main executioner of the offense, resigned while the then HC Jim Harbaugh faced a three-game suspension. As per the latest findings, Moore’s involvement in the matter had been covered up before, but now it’s clear. 

According to the report, Moore allegedly deleted 52 text messages exchanged with Stalions on the same day that accusations began to surface online in October. The NCAA retrieved the messages, and while we don’t know what transpired, there could be a potential suspension waiting for Moore. Debates that delve into the possible penalty for Moore are ongoing. As the 2023 national champions, Michigan faces more pressure as trouble presents itself just one month before the regular season.