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The latest chapter in the storied Ohio State-Michigan rivalry unfolded off the field Monday, when former Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones publicly criticized Michigan’s recently adjudicated sign-stealing scandal.
Speaking on "THE SCRIPT: A Podcast on THE Ohio State Buckeyes," Jones said the Wolverines "got away with capital cheating" in reference to the NCAA’s $20 million fine levied against the program last week.
Jones, who led Ohio State to the 2014 national championship under head coach Urban Meyer, didn’t limit his remarks to rivalry rhetoric.
"This goes deeper than a rivalry; this goes deeper than the hate for two teams. This is the integrity of the sport and there’s no place for that," he said, adding that he would have the same reaction if any other school had committed the same violations.
Meyer, who guided the Buckeyes from 2012–2018 and went 7–0 against Michigan, quickly responded on social media with a brief show of support: "Love ya 12 Gauge!" — a nod to Jones’ nickname.
Jones’ Ohio State career is defined by one of the most remarkable postseason runs in college football history.
Entering the 2014 Big Ten Championship Game as the Buckeyes’ third-string quarterback, he replaced the injured J.T. Barrett and led Ohio State to a 59-0 win over No. 11-ranked Wisconsin, earning game MVP honors.
He followed that with a 42-35 Sugar Bowl victory over No. 1 Alabama and a 42-20 win over No. 2 Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship, throwing for 742 yards and five touchdowns across the three games.
Jones returned for the 2015 season before declaring for the NFL Draft, where he was selected in the fourth round by the Buffalo Bills.
His professional career included stints with the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, XFL’s DC Defenders and CFL’s Edmonton Elks.
Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones throwing a football during a college football game.Land Grant-Holy Land
The NCAA’s recent ruling concluded a nearly two-year investigation into allegations that Michigan staffer Connor Stalions orchestrated an in-person scouting and sign-recording operation from 2021–2023.
The scheme allegedly involved sending individuals to future opponents’ games to film sideline signals, a violation of NCAA rules prohibiting in-person advanced scouting and the use of electronic equipment for that purpose.
Key penalties include:
Notably, Michigan avoided a postseason ban and retained its 2023 national championship, won under Harbaugh.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Speaking on "THE SCRIPT: A Podcast on THE Ohio State Buckeyes," Jones said the Wolverines "got away with capital cheating" in reference to the NCAA’s $20 million fine levied against the program last week.
Jones, who led Ohio State to the 2014 national championship under head coach Urban Meyer, didn’t limit his remarks to rivalry rhetoric.
"This goes deeper than a rivalry; this goes deeper than the hate for two teams. This is the integrity of the sport and there’s no place for that," he said, adding that he would have the same reaction if any other school had committed the same violations.
Meyer, who guided the Buckeyes from 2012–2018 and went 7–0 against Michigan, quickly responded on social media with a brief show of support: "Love ya 12 Gauge!" — a nod to Jones’ nickname.
Cardale Jones: From Third-String to National Champion
Jones’ Ohio State career is defined by one of the most remarkable postseason runs in college football history.
Entering the 2014 Big Ten Championship Game as the Buckeyes’ third-string quarterback, he replaced the injured J.T. Barrett and led Ohio State to a 59-0 win over No. 11-ranked Wisconsin, earning game MVP honors.
He followed that with a 42-35 Sugar Bowl victory over No. 1 Alabama and a 42-20 win over No. 2 Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship, throwing for 742 yards and five touchdowns across the three games.
Jones returned for the 2015 season before declaring for the NFL Draft, where he was selected in the fourth round by the Buffalo Bills.
His professional career included stints with the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, XFL’s DC Defenders and CFL’s Edmonton Elks.
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Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones throwing a football during a college football game.Land Grant-Holy Land
Michigan’s Sign-Stealing Scandal and NCAA Punishment
The NCAA’s recent ruling concluded a nearly two-year investigation into allegations that Michigan staffer Connor Stalions orchestrated an in-person scouting and sign-recording operation from 2021–2023.
The scheme allegedly involved sending individuals to future opponents’ games to film sideline signals, a violation of NCAA rules prohibiting in-person advanced scouting and the use of electronic equipment for that purpose.
Key penalties include:
- $20 million fine from loss of postseason revenue over two seasons.
- Four years’ probation and recruiting restrictions, including a 25% reduction in official visits for 2025–26.
- Three-game suspension for current head coach Sherrone Moore (two self-imposed in 2025, one NCAA-imposed in 2026).
- Show-cause orders: 10 years for former head coach Jim Harbaugh (effective after a prior four-year order), eight years for Stalions and three years for Denard Robinson.
Notably, Michigan avoided a postseason ban and retained its 2023 national championship, won under Harbaugh.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Continue reading...
