Eight Ohio State games this season are scheduled to be attended by Michigan sign-stealing scouts.
The information the firm obtained indicates that the Wolverines intended to pay up to $3,000 this season to send scouts to “as many as eight” Ohio State games. Georgia was apparently one of the teams that Michigan was targeting, with plans to send scouts to “four or five” games in 2023.
According to the Washington Post, Ohio State, Michigan’s main Big Ten foe, was at the top of the list. Scouts intended to attend up to eight games, which would have cost more than $3,000 in travel and ticket expenses. Georgia, a prospective College Football Playoff opponent, was next on the list. Four or five games were arranged for in-person scouting and video capture, which also came with a price tag of over $3,000 for tickets and airfare. On October 17, the company reported its results to the NCAA. The NCAA began their inquiry on October 18.
The report states that the company did not provide any proof that connected Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Wolverines, to the scouting plans. In a statement last week, Harbaugh denied knowing anything about the circumstances.
“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh stated in the statement.
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Linebacker Eli Lee of Akron, Ohio, Hoban, a standout player in the highly skilled Ohio class of 2025, received a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes early in October. At that point, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Lee had six scholarship offers. Lee had offers from West Virginia, Iowa State, Akron, Massachusetts, and Toledo in addition to Ohio State.
Lee also told Bucknuts that the Buckeyes were the team he was most excited about at the time.
After receiving the Ohio State offer, Lee informed Bucknuts, “Ohio State is definitely on top right now.” “I want to give things some time and wait before making a decision. However, Ohio State is now ranked first on my list. It truly is a privilege to
This past weekend, Lee returned to Ohio State and attended the Buckeyes’ 20-12 victory against Penn State at Ohio Stadium.
Lee told Bucknuts, “I was really impressed with the team and meeting with the coaches (on Saturday).” Being present for a game and witnessing what the coaches do was truly amazing. The game was fantastic, and the atmosphere was fantastic.
Now that Lee has declared his commitment to the Buckeyes, the wait is over.
“I picked Ohio State because I’ve felt since the beginning they’ve just been the best fit for me,” Lee stated to the Bucknuts today. “I’ve been very impress with their program, staff and players.”
Lee was recruited by the Buckeyes as a middle or inside linebacker and currently plays inside linebacker for Hoban.
Lee remarked, “Ohio State said they see me as a Tommy Eichenberg type.”
Lee has been pursued by recruiters James Laurinaitis and Jim Knowles.
“They were the main two I’ve been talking to throughout the process,” Lee stated. “Since day-one they’ve made it known that they want me at Ohio State.”
Lee is rated as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports. He is the No. 15 recruit in Ohio and the No. 38 linebacker in the nation.
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Lee has joined the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class, which already included commitments from Florida wide receiver Jayvan Boggs, Ohio quarterback Tavien St. Clair, and Maryland cornerback Blake Woodby.
Even further ahead in time, the Buckeyes have added outstanding Ohio wide receiver Chris Henry to their class of 2026.
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