In a surprising revelation, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy recently spoke out about the prevalence of sign-stealing in college football, including allegations against bitter rivals Ohio State. McCarthy made these comments during Wednesday's College Football Playoff teleconference, shedding light on a controversial practice that has long been a part of the game.

McCarthy stated that he believed a significant number of college football programs, approximately 80 percent, engage in sign-stealing as a strategic tactic. He emphasized that this practice has been a longstanding tradition in the sport, insisting that it's unfortunate but a reality of the game.

Specifically pointing to Ohio State, McCarthy claimed that in 2019 or 2020, the Buckeyes were legally stealing Michigan's signs. He explained that due to this revelation, the Wolverines were forced to adapt and ensure a level playing field. It should be noted that Ohio State did not play against Michigan in 2020 due to pandemic-related concerns.

The sign-stealing scandal at Michigan came to light when former recruiting staff member Connor Stalions was accused of leading a scheme to film the sidelines of future opponents and decode their signals. This practice is a direct violation of NCAA rules, which prohibit in-person advance scouting. Stalions resigned from his position in November.

The repercussions of the scandal extended beyond Stalions. Linebackers coach Chris Partidge was fired after instructing players not to cooperate with investigators. Additionally, head coach Jim Harbaugh received a three-game suspension from the Big Ten for violating the conference's sportsmanship policy. The investigation into Michigan's sign-stealing is ongoing, and potential punishments, such as vacated wins, remain a possibility.

Despite the controversy surrounding the program, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy expressed confidence in the team's accomplishments, asserting that they had done things the right way as players. He acknowledged that the NCAA's decision and outside controversies were beyond their control but emphasized that they would continue to appreciate the hard work and achievements they had earned.

It remains to be seen how the public and the NCAA will react to McCarthy's claims and the overall sign-stealing scandal at Michigan. As the investigation unfolds, college football programs across the nation may face increased scrutiny regarding their adherence to fair play and sportsmanship.

In the ever-evolving world of college football, the line between legal gamesmanship and unfair advantages continues to be blurred. The revelations made by McCarthy serve as a stark reminder that integrity in the sport should always be upheld, lest the ideals of fair competition and sportsmanship be compromised.