SEC confirms OU football's controversial TD by Isaiah Sategna III vs Auburn was not legal
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The SEC confirmed a trick play by OU that led to a touchdown during its 24-17 home win over Auburn on Saturday was not within the rules.
The two teams were tied at 3 with 10:45 left in the second quarter when OU wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III slowly walked toward his sideline as if he were checking out of the game. But he instead lined up for a pass and quarterback John Mateer found him for a 24-yard touchdown before Auburn's defense could react.
According to the NCAA rulebook, no simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. This includes any hideout tactic with or without a substitution. Such a play would draw a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Statement on @AuburnFootball/@OU_Football game: pic.twitter.com/PCn8AwLkeb— SEC Officiating (@SECOfficiating) September 21, 2025
A penalty wasn't called, but the SEC released a statement after the game that confirmed the play qualified as an unfair tactic.
"The officiating crew did not properly interpret the action as a hideout tactic," the SEC's statement read. "If properly officiated, the second-down play should have resulted in a team unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of 15 yards assessed from the previous spot.
"Appropriate accountability will be applied without additional comment."
OU ultimately won by one touchdown. It improved to 4-0 on the season, and it'll now enter a bye week.
Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @JTheSportsDude. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: SEC confirms controversial TD for OU football vs Auburn wasn't legal
