Final Report Released: Michigan Wolverines’ College Football Season Rocked by 8-Game Suspension of Referees Vincent Winters and Larry Smith Following a “Critical Error” in Their 96-83 Win Over Ohio State, a Game Now Controversial
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college football community, the Michigan Wolverines’ 2025 season has been marred by a controversy involving two referees, Vincent Winters and Larry Smith. The pair has been handed an unprecedented eight-game suspension after their critical error in officiating Michigan’s highly anticipated victory over Ohio State, a 96-83 win that has now been called into question due to a pivotal decision made late in the game.
The controversy centers around a highly contentious call in the final minutes of the game, which saw the Wolverines score several disputed points in a series of dramatic plays. Winters and Smith, who were responsible for officiating the match, made a decision that many analysts and fans believe unfairly tilted the game in Michigan’s favor. While both teams were locked in a close battle, the error involved a highly debatable pass interference penalty that extended Michigan’s drive and led to crucial points being scored. The controversial decision sparked outrage from Ohio State fans, players, and coaching staff, with many arguing that it gave Michigan an unfair advantage.
The official report, released by the NCAA after an exhaustive review of game footage and referee communications, confirmed that Winters and Smith made a “critical error” during that sequence. The report stated that the penalty was applied incorrectly, and the ruling significantly impacted the final scoreline. As a result of this error, the NCAA has decided to impose a stern punishment, suspending both referees for the remaining eight games of the regular season.
The ramifications of the suspension have rippled through the football world. Fans of both Michigan and Ohio State have been vocal about the incident, with Ohio State supporters accusing the NCAA of not doing enough to protect the integrity of the game. On the other hand, Michigan fans have rallied behind their team, with some arguing that the victory should still stand, as it was not solely determined by the controversial officiating.
This incident has sparked a wider debate about the accountability of referees and the consistency of officiating in college football. Many are calling for reforms to ensure such mistakes don’t affect the outcome of high-stakes games. As the suspension of Winters and Smith looms large over the remainder of the season, the question remains whether the controversy surrounding this game will overshadow the Wolverines’ championship asp
irations.