One of the biggest controversies in college football this past season came when Michigan recruiting staffer Connor Stalions was found to have been stealing signs from opposing teams. But now, the NCAA has officially approved a new rule that will make it much more difficult for those looking to copy Stalions actions in the future.
Stalions was found to have purchased tickets to more than 35 games at 17 stadiums around the country involving Michigan opponents in the Big Ten and potential College Football Playoff opponents.
At those games, he would take note of opposing teams signals from the sidelines in an effort to help Michigan understand what play could potentially be coming should they ever play these teams.
On Friday, the NCAA approved a rule change that will largely take signs from the sidelines out of the game entirely. In-helmet communications between players and coaches will now be allowed for the upcoming 2024-25 season. So now, there will largely be no need for coaches to even use signs to help relay the plays to their players.
This has been something that has been allowed in the NFL since 1994. So it is safe to say that this change has been a long time coming to the college game.
Was this rule change made by the NCAA now because of the Stalions controversy last season? I think it would be tough to make an argument that it wasn’t at least a significant factor into their decision.
Regardless, this new rule should help uphold the integrity of college football, which is of course a win for everyone.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.