Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what’s next.
HARBAUGH DEFLECTS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE MICHIGAN RULING
With the NCAA’s recent ruling on Michigan’s sign-stealing operation, which spanned from 2021 to 2023, Jim Harbaugh has once again come under the microscope.
The former Michigan skipper, who presided over the program during the period in which infractions occurred, has commented very little on the investigation since leaving the program for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh’s relative silence continued on Saturday. When asked about the punishments levied on Michigan by the NCAA, Harbaugh refused to comment.
Jim Harbaugh was asked about the latest sanctions from the NCAA:
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) August 17, 2025
Like I said to you last year, Im not engaging. pic.twitter.com/UgOycM3Ng9
As the NCAA found “overwhelming evidence of impermissible scouting in the Michigan football program,” it’s safe to say that Harbaugh’s declaration of innocence following the Wolverines’ national championship victory in 2023 was yet another lie from the head coach.
"Off the field issues we're innocent. We stood strong and tall because we knew we were innocent."
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 9, 2024
- Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh after winning National Title pic.twitter.com/V5FYIohgJE
Harbaugh faces a 10-year show-cause order as a result of the NCAA’s ruling.
KANSAS RECEIVES MASSIVE GIFT FROM DONOR
After receiving an eye-popping $300 million donation from David Booth — the largest single gift in the history of Kansas University — the Jayhawks are set to revamp their football program.
Kansas will immediately distribute $75 million toward stadium upgrades at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, in addition to the area surrounding the stadium, known as the Gateway District.
Outside of that allotment, the remaining funds will be allocated toward establishing an annual additional revenue stream for Kansas athletics as a whole.
"David's unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future," Kansas Athletic Director and Vice Chancellor Travis Goff said. "It accelerates Phase II of the Gateway District and the new 'Booth' and inspires others to step up and join in completing this vision. We're profoundly grateful for David's leadership and extraordinary impact on generations of student-athletes and fans. There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor."
NEW MEXICO STATE SETTLES LAWSUIT WITH FORMER COACH
New Mexico State and former head coach Greg Heiar settled over a wrongful termination lawsuit levied by the skipper against the university.
Heiar was dismissed in 2023 after several off-the-court situations, including an investigation into hazing within the program, academic issues and the self-defense shooting that involved former Aggie Mike Peake, who fatally shot an alleged assailant after he was ambushed on the campus of the University of New Mexico.
In February 2023, New Mexico State opted to fire Heiar and canceled the rest of the program’s season after the university’s investigation into hazing in the program.
Heiar alleged that the university made him a “sacrificial lamb” for those off-the-court issues, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
"On behalf of our client, Greg Heiar, we are pleased to announce that a settlement has been reached in the arbitration of Coach Heiar and New Mexico State University," attorneys Ryan P. Danoff and Brett J. Danoff of Danoff Law Firm, P.C., said in a statement to ESPN. "Coach Heiar is pleased that this matter is now fully and finally resolved to our satisfaction, and excited to continue his coaching career. Coach Heiar wishes NMSU, the men's basketball program, and the Aggie fans all the best going forward."
ICYMI
The Michigan sign-stealing saga finally came to an unsatisfying end after the NCAA levied penalties against the university, which did not include a postseason ban or vacated wins.
Eleven Warriors beat reporter Dan Hope analyzes the differing punishments that Ohio State received for “Tattoo-Gate” and Michigan received for its sign-stealing scheme.
BIG TEN PONDERING A COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF WITH 24 OR 28 TEAMS
The College Football Playoff may be heading toward further expansion in the near future, and the Big Ten has considered a radical idea to allow 24 or 28 teams to compete for the national championship.
WHAT'S NEXT
- 13 Days: Buckeye football season opener vs. Texas
- 76 Days: Jim Knowles returns to Columbus
- 104 Days: The Game
