The SEC found itself in damage control mode after officially admitting a major officiating error cost the Auburn Tigers in their 24-17 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners.
The controversial “hideout tactic” touchdown should have been penalized, which has caused some outrage from fans across college football.
Oklahoma and Auburn Game Marred by Officials’ Missed Call
The SEC released an official statement addressing the controversial play that occurred during Saturday’s Auburn-Oklahoma football game. The league acknowledged a critical mistake in Oklahoma receiver Isaiah Sategna’s touchdown.
“In Saturday’s Auburn at Oklahoma football game with 10:50 remaining in the 2nd quarter, a pass was thrown to Oklahoma #5 resulting in a touchdown,” the statement read. The play involved Sategna pretending to leave the field before catching a 24-yard touchdown pass.
Statement on @AuburnFootball/@OU_Football game: pic.twitter.com/PCn8AwLkeb
— SEC Officiating (@SECOfficiating) September 21, 2025
The statement explained that “Oklahoma #5 participated in the previous play, which was a first down play from the 22-yard line. After the first down play was completed, Oklahoma #5 continued towards his team’s sideline but stopped just before reaching the Oklahoma sideline.”
According to NCAA Football Rule 9-2, Article 2, labeled “Unfair Tactics,” the rule states: “No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents. This includes any hideout tactic with or without a substitution.”
The SEC admitted fault, stating: “The officiating crew did not properly interpret the action as a hideout tactic. If properly officiated, the second down play should have resulted in a team unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of 15 yards assessed from the previous spot.”
Basically, Oklahoma’s receiver managed to fool Auburn’s defense by pretending to go off the field and then catching a touchdown pass that was quite easy. Such a trick play, however, is against the rules and would have led to a 15-yard penalty being assessed to the Sooners rather than scoring six points.
The statement concluded that “appropriate accountability will be applied without additional comment.”
Fans Unleash Fury Over SEC’s Belated Admission
Social media exploded with criticism after the SEC’s statement came hours after the game ended. College football fans expressed their frustration with the league’s handling of the situation.
Fans took to social media platforms to voice their anger at the SEC’s response:
One fan commented, “Name the refs how about that.”
Name the refs how about that
— Cam Coleman Fan (@BigBarnerBrand) September 21, 2025
another wrote: “show at the SEC”
“Too late. Game was ruined.” one fan expressed.
Too late. Game was ruined
— Corey (@CsSchneid) September 21, 2025
“It’s complete cr*p to say this now. I would be furious if I was an Auburn fan. They got screwed!” another user showed his frustation through this comment.
One user wrote, “what does this statement accomplish exactly, yall messed it up in game that’s all that matters, do better.”
what does this statement accomplish exactly , yall messed it up in game that’s all that matters, do better
— ᵐ ⁱ ᵏ ᵉ ʸ (@fw_mikeyy) September 21, 2025
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about SEC officiating consistency.
