The sign-stealing allegations against Michigan have become the biggest story in college football over the past week. Coaches throughout the sport have been asked about the ethics of stealing opponents’ signals as new aspects of the narrative are reported seemingly every day.
Current Michigan coaches and players can’t comment during an ongoing NCAA investigation. But former Wolverines are available to the media, and it makes sense for reporters to ask what they think.
Aidan Hutchinson is close to the situation, now working approximately 40 miles away for the Lions. He also played at Michigan during one of the seasons being scrutinized by investigators and fans, emerging as a standout in 2021. On Thursday, the standout defensive lineman faced questions about the accusations.
“They’re doing all their investigations, and they’re coming at Michigan when Michigan’s got a shot to win the national championship this year. So I don’t know,” Hutchinson said, per Wolverine Digest.
Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson discussed the investigation against Michigan.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 27, 2023
"They're coming at Michigan when Michigan's got a shot to win the national championship this year,” he said. “Time will pass. People will forget about it and move on once we're the champs again.” pic.twitter.com/2G6GtEngA2
“People are always stealing signs in college football,” Hutchinson added. “People stole our signs. Other Big Ten schools stole our signs. It’s just a thing when you’re in college football, so I mean, not any more than anybody else did as far as I’m concerned.”
Hutchinson said he and Wolverines teammates rarely encountered Connor Stalions, the analyst upon whom the NCAA investigation is centered.
Ultimately, Hutchinson expects the Wolverines, currently ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, to power through the allegations and continue their pursuit of a Big Ten title and national championship.
“It is what it is,” Hutchinson said. “I guess time will pass and people will forget about it and move on once we’re the [Big Ten] champs again.”
