Rece Davis explains how NCAA investigation could impact Jim Harbaugh, Michigan in 2023

ESPN’s Rece Davis is quite confident in Michigan despite an NCAA investigation into Jim Harbaugh and the program. 

Harbuagh was reportedly set to be suspended for four games amid an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, the deal with the NCAA is off and Harbaugh could coach all 12 regular season games.

Michigan was ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Poll and despite an investigation, Harbaugh and the Wolverines should be just fine, per Davis.

“This is not going to bother Jim Harbaugh for one nanosecond,” Davis said on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt. “I think that they have been able to use his last two playoff losses to continue to lock in on what they want to achieve. 

“Now their roster is not as talented top to bottom as Georgia is, probably not as Alabama’s or Ohio State’s, but they’ve got everything they need to win the Big Ten again to go to the playoff and to win the national championship. I don’t think that’s out of the question for them at all.”

Davis, as it should be noted, picked Michigan as his No. 1 team in his Top 25 ballot.

“Well, because it’s in the state of Michigan, they’re asking me if Michigan is going to win the national championship … and at least to start the season, and I believe ranking should be very fluid early. I’m going to have Michigan No. 1 in the preseason,” Davis said on the Paul Finebaum Show in June. “My biggest reason is they are one of the few contenders who have enough everywhere else and a proven quarterback who I believe is going to be much better. He was already good, but I think he’s going to take a giant step forward, J.J. McCarthy this upcoming season.”

Rece Davis says NCAA investigation won’t affect Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh could be relieved he reportedly won’t have to sit out any games this season. So like Davis said, it won’t really impact the program.

If there is going to be some kind of punishment from the NCAA, it will flow into the 2024 season. The Committee of Infractions will now take the case but it will occur once the 2023 season is over.

A statement came from Derrick Crawford, the NCAA Vice President of Hearing Operations. He said the issues with Harbaugh and Michigan stem from recruiting during COVID-19 dead period.

“The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities — not a cheeseburger,” Crawford said. “It is not uncommon for the COI to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting. The COI may also reject an NR if it determines that the agreement is not in the best interests of the Association or the penalties are not reasonable.

“If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to be a hearing, but the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues.”