Was Tennessee's onside drop-kick vs. Texas legal? SEC issues statement
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Was Tennessee's onside drop-kick vs. Texas legal? SEC issues statement
Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire·Longhorns Wire
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3 min read
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Was the kick legal? One of the many subplots that emerged from theTexas Longhorns hard-fought 20-17 win over Tennesseerevolved around the legality of the onside "drop-kick" recovered by theVolslate in the game. Now the SEC home office has issued a statement about controversial kick.
AfterTennesseescored a touchdown with less than two minutes left in the game, the Vols used a little used drop-kick for the next kickoff. Australian punter Jackson Ross, a former Aussie Rules football player who can kick with both feet, seemed to execute the kick perfectly.
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The spinning ball hit Texas receiverRyan Wingoin the hands and spun away. The Vols recovered and were set up inLonghornsterritory with 1:22 left in the game. There was plenty of time for Tennessee to go just a few yards for a game-tying field goal or a winning touchdown.
Texas stopped Tennessee from scoring to clinch the win. But after the game, the legality of the kick was hotly debated, with several rules experts weighing in with their opinions. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian wanted clarification from the conference.
"We need to get a ruling on how they kicked it because there's a lot of gray area in that, and obviously one of the officials thought it was a foul and threw it," Sarkisian said after the game. "They ended up picking it up, so I've got to get a ruling on that because that was a bit unique walking into a drop kick like that. But again, I've got to look at it. I only have the one shot in real time like you guys had, so we'll see."
Now the SEC has issued a statement about the legality of the kick.
"The onside kick with 1:22 to play in the Texas at Tennessee football game on Saturday was incorrectly officiated and should have resulted in a five-yard penalty on Tennessee and a replay of the down," the SEC statement said.
"A drop kick is permissible, but a free kick must be made from the kicking team's restraining line which is the 35-yard line on a kickoff, unless relocated by penalty. The ball was at least one yard behind the 35-yard line when it was kicked.
"In addition, after the ball is ready for play the kicker may not change his lateral position between the hash marks. That spot can change only after a charged timeout or on a subsequent kick. The kicker's movement after the ready signal violated the rule," the statement continued.
"The correct enforcement is a five-yard penalty and a replay of the down. TheSoutheastern Conferenceregrets the error and will continue working with the Secretary/Editor for NCAA Football Rules and officials to ensure consistent application of free-kick rules."
In summary, teams can use a drop kick, but the kicker has to stay put and in one place. That didn't happen. Think of the storm of controversy that would have ensued if the Longhorns had lost the game because of that kick? That scenario certainly came close to happening. But now, the end result is clarity going forward.
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It's not clear if other teams will implement a legal version of the onside drop-kick in the future. There's a chance, because of the attention the ref's mistake has received, a legal version that follows the rules will become the norm.
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at Neyland Stadium before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Air Force One flies over Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Fans cheer before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, right, speaks with University of Tennessee president Randy Boyd before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam (2) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Derrek Cooper (5) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Ryan Niblett (21) runs against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs againstTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; General view of the pregame ceremony before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Daune Morris (17) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) looks to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Qua Moss (6) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs against against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Amare Campbell (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Ty Redmond (4) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter (7) recovers an onside kick during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) tackles Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) and linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) greet fans after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) celebrates after Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) is sacked again during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Brianna Paciorka, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at Neyland Stadium before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at Neyland Stadium before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Air Force One flies over Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Fans cheer before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, right, speaks with University of Tennessee president Randy Boyd before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam (2) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Derrek Cooper (5) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Ryan Niblett (21) runs against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs againstTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; General view of the pregame ceremony before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Daune Morris (17) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) looks to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Qua Moss (6) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs against against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Amare Campbell (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Ty Redmond (4) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter (7) recovers an onside kick during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) tackles Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) and linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) greet fans after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24/24
PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) celebrates after Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) is sacked again during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Brianna Paciorka, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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