Alabama and Michigan are limiting access to game footage on players’ tablets due to concerns about sign-stealing and potential hacking.

In Columbus, Ohio, both Alabama and Michigan are expressing concerns about the possibility of sign-stealing, prompting restrictions on access to game film on players’ tablets. Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond revealed on Thursday that the team has refrained from watching individual film on tablets due to apprehensions arising from Michigan’s sign-stealing controversy earlier in the year. Film analysis is now exclusively conducted in group settings. Bond disclosed that Michigan had been scrutinizing other teams’ play calls and hand signals through the app used to record practices.

Responding to these concerns, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson conveyed that the team has also ceased watching film on individual iPads, with Coach Jim Harbaugh instructing the shutdown of tablets for everyone on Thursday. Quarterback JJ McCarthy added that the team has abstained from iPad film sessions throughout November. The cautionary measures stem from the fallout of an alleged scouting and sign-stealing scheme led by former Michigan staffer Connor Stallions. Stallions faced suspension and later resigned, prompting a three-game suspension for Coach Harbaugh during the season, which included the pivotal Ohio State game. Additionally, linebackers coach Chris Partridge was terminated in connection to the controversy.

While it remains unclear if other programs, including Ohio State, took similar precautions during regular-season matchups with Michigan, Purdue coach Ryan Walters previously commented on the issue during the season, emphasizing that the events were not mere allegations but substantiated by video evidence and documented ticket purchases and sales, confirming Michigan’s presence at several of Purdue’s games.