The Big 12 Conference has removed an officiating crew from its Week 3 assignment following a clear violation of NCAA rules during Saturday’s matchup between Kansas and Missouri.
In the first quarter of the Border Showdown, Missouri was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after scoring a touchdown. The penalty forced the Tigers to kick off from their own 20-yard line. But instead of using a legal place kick or drop kick, Missouri was allowed to punt the ball, something that is explicitly not permitted under NCAA Rule 2, Section 16, Article 6.
That mistake, which went unnoticed during the game, was reviewed by the league office after widespread attention and criticism. On Monday, the Big 12 issued a public acknowledgment of the error and confirmed disciplinary action. The officiating crew responsible has been pulled from its next game, which was scheduled for this Friday night.
Big 12 Chief Football and Competition Officer Scott Draper addressed the situation in a statement. He noted that while the conference holds its officiating program to a high standard, it will take corrective action when mistakes occur. Draper emphasized the importance of accountability and confirmed the crew would not work in Week 3.
The officiating crew was led by referee Mike McCabe, who has worked high-profile games in the past. The misstep came during a rivalry game that carried significant attention, with Missouri and Kansas facing off for the first time since 2011. While Missouri went on to win the game 42–31, the illegal punt has become one of the dominant storylines coming out of the weekend.
This marks the first major public reprimand of Big 12 officials in the 2025 season and comes at a time when officiating scrutiny is at an all-time high. With the conference entering a new era of media exposure and competitive parity, accuracy and consistency from officials remain critical.
The league’s decision to act quickly sends a clear message. Rules enforcement is not optional, even when the error may not have directly influenced the outcome. As the Big 12 prepares for a full slate of Week 3 matchups, it does so with a renewed focus on the fundamentals, both on the field and in the officiating booth.
