The SEC fined Texas A&M $50,000 and reprimanded coach Mike Elko on Tuesday for violating the NCAA’s rules regarding players feigning injuries in the Aggies’ win at Arkansas.
The penalties are the first handed down by the SEC since its members voted to implement the policy in 2022.
The conference said the violation was determined after a video review of Saturday’s game by the National Coordinator of Football Officiating, which found that a player attempted to feign an injury or that it was more likely than not that a feigned injury occurred.
The NCAA instituted new rules this season to try to rein in feigning injuries to slow down fast-paced offenses, which has been a nagging problem around college football for several years.
NEWS | National Coordinator of Officiating determines violation of injury timeout: https://t.co/sXMjfVRR5i
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 21, 2025
Game officials can now charge teams a timeout if a player goes to the ground after the ball has been spotted.
The SEC said the “questionable action” in the Texas A&M-Arkansas game happened with 12:55 remaining after the Razorbacks completed a pass for a first down to the Texas A&M 10-yard line.
Cornerback Tyreek Chappell went to the ground with an apparent injury.
The SEC said a Texas A&M staff member could be seen on video “signaling demonstratively to the player, pointing to the ground.” Chappell had no contact during the play and returned on the second play of the ensuing defensive possession, the SEC said.
Texas A&M released a statement saying it respected the ruling but does not agree with the decision and that its coaches never teach or instruct players to feign injury.
“Texas A&M football remains firmly committed to the highest standards of sportsmanship, competitiveness and integrity,” the school said. “We’ll use this as an opportunity to review our processes and ensure we continue to represent our great university and the SEC with class and accountability.”
A second offense for Texas A&M would incur a $100,000 fine, and further violations would result in a one-game suspension of Elko.