Can Michigan's controversial Hail Mary win over WMU be overturned?

September 6, 2026 - 05:34

The final score from Saturday's Michigan-Western Michigan matchup will not change, despite the controversy that erupted over the Wolverines' last-second touchdown. According to the NCAA rulebook, once the referees signal the game is over and the score is official, there is no mechanism for a postgame reversal. That means the 34-31 Michigan victory is locked in, no matter how many angles fans or analysts have examined since.

The play in question came on a desperation heave as time expired. Michigan's quarterback launched a pass into a crowded end zone, where a receiver appeared to make a contested catch. Western Michigan defenders argued that the ball hit the ground before the receiver secured it, and that a clear recovery by a Broncos player should have ended the game. Replays were inconclusive in real time, and the officiating crew let the touchdown stand after a brief review.

Since then, social media has been flooded with freeze frames and slow motion clips, with many claiming the pass was incomplete. But the NCAA is clear on this point: there is no appeal process for a judgment call, and no video evidence submitted after the final whistle can alter the outcome. The only scenario where a score could be changed is if a clerical error, like a wrong down or penalty count, was discovered. That is not the case here.

Western Michigan's coach acknowledged the frustration but said his team has to move on. "We had our chances earlier in the game," he said. "We can't leave it to one play." The Broncos will now shift focus to their next opponent, while Michigan avoids what would have been a stunning upset. For fans hoping for a different result, the answer is simple: the Hail Mary counts, and the record book will not be rewritten.