Eric Boggs
Ohio State football fans are no strangers to the intense rivalry with Michigan, but recent revelations about Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal have added fuel to the fire. Cade Stover, a former Buckeye tight end and now a rookie for the Houston Texans, recently shared an alarming experience during his time at Ohio State that directly implicates Michigan’s underhanded tactics.
During an interview with Houston media personality Landry Locker, Stover recalled a bizarre moment during one of the Buckeyes’ matchups against Michigan. Ohio State had called a tight end screen play from a formation the team had never used before. Yet, Michigan’s defense immediately identified the play. “We tried to throw a tight end screen in a formation we’ve never used before – like ever… And when they start yelling ‘Screen!’… that’s when you know, like, ‘What the f— is this? We haven’t run this before,’” Stover said.
While Stover didn’t specify the exact year this incident occurred, it aligns with Ohio State’s 2022 loss to Michigan. In that game, the Buckeyes attempted two tight end screens early, both of which were snuffed out, leading them to abandon the play for the rest of the game. Stover’s account of Michigan’s uncanny ability to call out plays raises significant questions about the impact of the Wolverines’ alleged sign-stealing on Ohio State’s performance during these high-stakes games.
The sign-stealing scandal has cast a shadow over Michigan’s recent success, especially in light of the NCAA’s ongoing investigation. Connor Stalions, the architect of Michigan’s scheme, was present on the sidelines for Michigan’s wins against Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. Though he resigned after being publicly identified as the mastermind, the damage was already done. The NCAA issued a formal Notice of Allegations to Michigan, accusing Stalions, head coach Sherrone Moore, and former head coach Jim Harbaugh of violating NCAA rules by coordinating an elaborate in-person scouting and signal-stealing operation.
While sign-stealing itself isn’t illegal, Michigan allegedly crossed the line by sending scouts to opponents’ games and recording their signals—actions that clearly violate NCAA rules. According to reports, the NCAA has evidence of Michigan’s involvement in this “vast off-campus, in-person advance scouting scheme,” but Michigan still has time to respond to the allegations.
Stover’s blunt response when asked about the scandal makes his frustration clear. “I knew enough about that bullshit as it was,” Stover said. While he admits he doesn’t have much room to talk, given Michigan’s three consecutive victories over Ohio State, his comments shed light on the unfair advantage Michigan may have had during those games. Stover even made it clear who he’d be rooting for in Michigan’s upcoming matchup against Texas: “I’ll be rooting for Texas for sure.”
Though the full impact of Michigan’s sign-stealing scheme is still unfolding, one thing is certain: Ohio State was victimized by it. While Buckeye fans won’t use this scandal as an excuse for the team’s recent struggles against Michigan, it’s clear that Michigan’s actions crossed a line. The Ohio State football program has always prided itself on integrity and competing the right way—values that seem to have been blatantly disregarded by Michigan in pursuit of an edge.
As the investigation continues and more details emerge, Michigan fans remain defensive, often mocking players like Stover who have stepped forward with these claims. It’s a sign of a fanbase unwilling to acknowledge the truth and accept responsibility. For Ohio State fans, it’s yet another reason to detest their arch-rival and hope that the NCAA holds Michigan accountable for its actions.
The story is far from over, and Ohio State fans will be watching closely as justice plays out.
