REPORT: No Evidence Implicating Jim Harbaugh Was Involved In Scouting Scheme

The ongoing investigation into the Michigan football program reached a new stage on Thursday, as the Associated Press reported that NCAA investigators arrived at Michigan's campus to conduct interviews. Although initial reports had indicated that interviews with members of the Michigan football coaching staff had already taken place, local members of the media refuted those reports.

Multiple sources have told me the NCAA has not yet interviewed any of Michigan’s football staff — the coaches attended practice Wednesday and are on the road recruiting (Michigan does not have a game on Saturday)
— angelique (@chengelis) October 26, 2023

While it's become clear over the last week that Michigan football staff member Connor Stalions was engaged in an in-depth scouting scheme that may have violated NCAA regulations, several key aspects of the NCAA investigation remain unanswered - including who was aware of it, who was participating in it, and how the operation was funded.

The Detroit news first reported that the NCAA recently began searching the electronics of Michigan football staff members, with a particular focus on gaining insight into the scope of the alleged illegal scouting scheme.

At this point, Yahoo Sports is reporting that no evidence has emerged that would implicate head coach Jim Harbaugh participated, or had knowledge, of the in-person scouting scheme led by Stalions. There is also a growing belief that, regardless of what the NCAA investigation uncovers, no potential punishment will impact the current 2023 season - at least from the NCAA itself. Although it has been confirmed that the Big Ten can issue its own punishment independent of the NCAA, it's unlikely that the conference would take any drastic steps before the NCAA completes its investigation.

Unless something earth-shattering is discovered beyond what is already known, it seems highly likely that Michigan will be able to continue pursing its national championship hopes in 2023, and that Jim Harbaugh will be on the sidelines during that pursuit.