Tennessee's dramatic comeback attempt against No. 1 Texas featured one of the wildest special-teams plays of the college football weekend.
Two days later, the SEC acknowledged that the play should not have counted.
The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that Tennessee's successful drop-kick onside attempt with 1:22 remaining in Saturday's 20-17 loss to Texas was incorrectly officiated. According to the conference, Tennessee should have been assessed a five-yard penalty and forced to kick again.
The controversy came during a frantic finish at Neyland Stadium.
Trailing 20-10 late in the fourth quarter, freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon led Tennessee on an 80-yard scoring drive. Brandon connected with Mike Matthews for a 30-yard touchdown with 1:22 remaining, cutting Texas' lead to 20-17.
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) passes against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Then things got interesting.
Tennessee punter Jackson Ross attempted an unusual drop-kick onside kick. The ball ultimately bounced off Texas receiver Ryan Wingo and was recovered by Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter , seemingly giving the Vols another life.
A flag was initially thrown, but officials ultimately picked it up and awarded Tennessee possession.
The Vols couldn't capitalize. Tennessee's final pass into the end zone was knocked away, allowing Texas to escape Knoxville with a 20-17 victory.
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee students cant believe the Vols recovered the onside kick 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
But the discussion surrounding that onside kick wasn't finished.
The SEC explained Monday that the drop kick itself was permissible. The problem was how Tennessee executed it.
Under the applicable free-kick rule, the kick had to be taken from Tennessee's restraining line, the 35-yard line in this case. The SEC said Ross contacted the ball at least one yard behind the 35.
There was another issue.
According to the conference, once the ball had been declared ready for play, the kicker was not permitted to change his lateral position between the hash marks unless Tennessee took a charged timeout or it was a subsequent kick. The SEC determined Ross' movement after the ready-for-play signal also violated the rule.
The proper ruling would have been a five-yard penalty against Tennessee followed by a replay of the down.
Fortunately for Texas fans, the SEC officiating crew, the missed call did not ultimately change the winner.
Still, the sequence adds another chapter to what was already a memorable first on-campus meeting between Tennessee and Texas.
For Tennessee fans, the drop kick briefly looked like one of the most creative special-teams plays of the season.
As it turns out, it was a little too creative.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/tennessee as SEC Admits Officiating Error on Tennessee vs. Texas Game .
