If the Oklahoma Sooners really are cheaters, then they're apparently really bad at hiding it.
The Sooners' first touchdown in their 24-17 win over Auburn on Saturday went viral as college football fans and the ABC broadcast crew deemed it was illegal, then the SEC also released a statement later confirming that claim. However, OU fans still aren't buying it after watching the play over and over again, and Voice of OU Toby Rowland revealed even more news that debunks the theory that offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was trying to pull a fast one and steal some points.
Toby Rowland reveals more information debunking Oklahoma's illegal play
According to Rowland on Sunday night, OU's coaching staff cleared the play with game officials during a regular pregame meeting in which teams usually give refs a heads up on any unusual plays they have planned (reverses, fakes, double passes, etc.). The officials confirmed to the Sooners that the play was legal, per Rowland.
According to a source, in its regular pregame meeting with game officials, the OU staff brought up the planned play (Sategna TD) and sought confirmation it was legal. @NEWS9
— Toby Rowland (@TRowOU) September 22, 2025
After going in motion the play before, OU wide receiver Isaiah Sategna continued toward the OU sideline and eventually got set near the boundary right in front of the line judge. According to Arbuckle postgame, Sategna even checked with the official that he was lined up correctly. Sategna was left uncovered and was wide open for a 24-yard touchdown that put the Sooners ahead 10-3 in the second quarter.
Did Oklahoma use the substitution rule to deceive Auburn? If so, obviously illegal, according to Matt Austin, ESPN's rules analyst. Hard to judge intent. pic.twitter.com/4YWgYv2Ss2
— Gabe Burggraf (@GabeBurggraf) September 20, 2025
The Sooners have since been called cheaters, especially by upset Auburn fans who forget their team also gave up nine sacks and had a chance to win the game at the end. Blame can be put on the refs, as officiating was poor the entire game. However, it's clear that the Sooners did everything in their power to make sure the play was legal.
The NCAA rule in question 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 rule is so vague and confusing that the SEC official crew didn't even understand what it's supposed to mean. In this case, Sategna just casually walked toward the sideline. He never made any motion toward the bench or ever left the field. And all of it was done right in front of the ref's eyes. The SEC later interpreted that as a "hideout tactic," while the actual refs did not.
Sategna didn’t do a fake limp. He didn’t jog toward the sideline and then suddenly slam on the breaks. He just walks and gets lined up. OU goes tempo and Auburn just forgot he was there because they were too busy jawing with Burks.
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) September 21, 2025
That’s official conference statement worthy?
Regardless, it's a poor rule that needs updated if it's one the NCAA plans to enforce. And if deception is something the NCAA is trying to get rid of, then college football should become a lot more boring without fake field goals, reverses and double passes.
One thing is certain, though, angry fans can blame a poorly written rule, but the Sooners didn't cheat in any way.
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