The SEC admitted its officials made a critical error during Oklahoma’s 24-17 victory over Auburn on Saturday. A second-quarter touchdown that helped the Sooners build momentum should have been wiped off the board.
John Mateer connected with Isaiah Sategna for a 24-yard touchdown with 10:45 remaining in the half. The score extended Oklahoma’s lead to 10-3.
But the play began with what the SEC now calls an illegal tactic.
Before the snap, Sategna moved toward Oklahoma’s sideline and appeared to exit as part of a substitution. He stopped just short of leaving the field and remained set near the boundary. Auburn’s defenders didn’t notice him slip down the sideline unguarded for the score.
The SEC has announced that this Oklahoma TD against Auburn should not have counted because of ‘Hideout Tactic’ that should’ve actually resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. pic.twitter.com/zhfK1CBWSx https://t.co/mvt96wzqt5
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) September 21, 2025
Hours after the game ended, the SEC issued a statement. The league said its officiating crew “did not properly interpret the action as a hideout tactic.”
Oklahoma should have been flagged 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. The touchdown should have been erased under NCAA rule G-2, Article 2, which prohibits simulated substitutions or hideout maneuvers.
Statement on @AuburnFootball/@OU_Football game: pic.twitter.com/PCn8AwLkeb
— SEC Officiating (@SECOfficiating) September 21, 2025
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze tried calling timeout before the snap. He pointed out that coaches received warnings about such plays before the season started.
Oklahoma’s coaching staff disagreed with the controversy. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle called it a “tempo play.” Head coach Brent Venables said the team confirmed with officials that Sategna was lined up legally.
The Sooners held on for the win after Mateer scored a late rushing touchdown.
The SEC’s public admission marks the second high-profile officiating error this month. The Big 12 removed an entire crew from future assignments after a mistake during the Missouri-Kansas game.
