Wolverine Digest

Michigan fans erupt as NCAA drops ‘The Hammer’ on Michigan State

The Spartans were dead wrong on this the entire way.
Trent Knoop|
Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

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Michigan WolverinesMichigan State Spartans

The hammer finally came down.

But it wasn't on Michigan, nor was it how Michigan State fans thought it was going to happen. Instead, the Spartans were the ones who felt the power of the NCAA hammer. On Wednesday, it was reported that former MSU coach Mel Tucker 'violated head coach responsibility rules, failed to monitor program' during his time with the Spartans.

Michigan State will now face several penalties and will vacate wins from the 2022-2024 seasons. Meaning, the Spartans will vacate 14 wins during the three-year stretch. Current coach, Jonathan Smith, has his five wins taken away from last season in his first year in East Lansing.

"Recruiting violations occurred at Michigan State when members of the football staff,
including former football general manager/executive director of player personnel and
recruiting Saeed Khalif and former assistant football coach Brandon Jordan, knowingly
provided impermissible recruiting inducements in connection with prospective student athletes’ unofficial visits, according to a decision released by a Division I Committee on
Infractions panel.

"Michigan State reached an agreement with the NCAA enforcement staff on violations
concerning recruiting activities and the school’s failure to monitor the football program.
Former head football coach Mel Tucker, who was not involved in the recruiting
violations, contested his head coach responsibility violation.."

A few penalties MSU will endure

  • Three years of probation
  • A fine of $30,000, plus 1.5% of the football program budget.
  • Vacation of team wins and records in which the ineligible student-athletes
    competed.
  • Among other visit restrictions

Spartans were dead wrong when it came to Michigan

When Connor Stalions' sign-stealing scheme came to light back in 2023, MSU fans and media -- among other fanbases -- all thought Michigan was going to receive the 'hammer'. That continued up to this season. However, that was not what happened.

The Wolverines were hit with a big fine, added years of probation, 25% reduction in football official visits, along with a show cause against Sherrone Moore and an added one-game suspension he will serve in 2026. Jim Harbaugh got the brunt of the damage -- but he's in the NFL.

Michigan didn't vacate any wins -- nor did it have to send back its 2023 national title trophy as some thought.

Following the news against their bitter rivals, Michigan fans didn't hold back. Here are some of the best reactions we could find.

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Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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