The SEC fined Texas A&M $50,000 and publicly reprimanded Aggies coach Mike Elko on Tuesday.
The fine stems from an independent review of a fourth-quarter incident from this past weekend's win over Arkansas. Texas A&M's sideline directed a player to go down with a fake injury.
The third-ranked Aggies pulled out a 45-42 victory over the Razorbacks, a game much closer than many expected under interim coach Bobby Petrino. With 12:55 left, Arkansas completed a pass to set up first and goal for the Hogs. Texas A&M defensive back Tyreek Chappell went to the ground after being prompted to do so, temporarily halting momentum for Arkansas.
Arkansas QB Jaden Platt threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Taylen Green a few plays later.
The SEC is fining Texas A&M $50K after video footage showed a staffer telling a player to fake an injury to stop the game after an Arkansas first down. Pic.twitter.com/WYnciTpQ72
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 21, 2025
SEC officials and the national coordinator of football officiating Steve Shaw concluded there was evidence Texas A&M coaches were "signaling demonstratively to the player, pointing to the ground" after Chappell was not contacted on the play. He returned one play later.
This type of behavior has become a point of emphasis in college football. If Texas A&M becomes a repeat offender, the fines and penalties will go up at the discretion of the conference.
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