NCAA reportedly issuing new guidance in wake of UM-WMU fiasco

Michigan wide receiver JJ Buchanan (6) catches a 47-yard touchdown on a Hail Mary against Western Michigan to win, 13-12, as time expires in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

NCAA reportedly issuing new guidance in wake of Michigan-Western Michigan fiasco

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 9, 2026 2:24 PM ET

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The NCAA isn't reversing the Michigan Wolverines' 13-12 Week 1 win over the Western Michigan Broncos, but it has taken action to prevent another controversial ending.

On Tuesday night, ESPN's Jake Trotter reported the NCAA is issuing new guidance to "establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games." A memo from NCAA national coordinator of officials Ron Snodgrass further outlined the changes. NCAA secretary-rules editor Matt Young approved them.

How new guidance would've impacted Michigan-Western Michigan game

"The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock," the memo said (h/t Yahoo Sports). "When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock within the program feed.

"If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed. This timing protocol should be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites."

The NCAA is issuing new guidance "to establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games," in the wake of Michigan's controversial 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday, per ESPN.

"The official time for all… pic.twitter.com/JmacxIIfOI
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 9, 2026

The memo is a mouthful, but the main takeaway is that this new protocol would've awarded the Broncos the upset win over the Wolverines. While reviewing Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood's first Hail Mary attempt, officials deferred to the Wolverines' in-stadium clock instead of NBC's broadcast. The network had no time left, while the stadium said there was one second left.

The ruling gave Michigan another chance. Underwood took advantage, throwing a 47-yard touchdown to wide receiver JJ Buchanan on the game's final play. Under the new protocol, this play would've never happened because the game would've already been over.

BRYCE UNDERWOOD HAIL MARY TO WIN IT FOR MICHIGAN UNBELIEVABLE 〽️

IT’S AN ANN ARBOR MIRACLE ✨ pic.twitter.com/ayHGpi6ZSA
— The College Sports Company (@CollegeSportsCo) September 6, 2026

Many wish the NCAA would make an exception in this case and change the result entirely, but it won't because it lacks that authority and doesn't want to open another can of worms. At least it's adopting a change that wouldn't rob another team of a hard-earned win.

Western Michigan (0-1) will aim to rebound in its home game against the Monmouth Hawks (1-1) on Saturday. Michigan (1-0) will host the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) on Saturday at noon ET on Fox. The NCAA, meanwhile, will hope for no more major officiating controversies for the rest of the season. There's only been one thus far, but it's certainly been enough.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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