Greg Sankey declines to comment on 'Horns Down' penalty with addition of Texas in the SEC

A ton of new traditions for Oklahoma began for Oklahoma on July 1, becoming official members of the SEC. Alongside Texas, the two former Big 12 programs are hoping to thrive in a new conference. One thing that will not change, though, is the Sooners despising their Red River Shootout partner and most importantly, flashing Horns Down.

The hand signal was a big discussion point in the Big 12, with a few 15-yard personal foul, taunting penalties being handed out during football games. This was not just from the Oklahoma side but other conference opponents of the Longhorns too.

So how will the SEC handle Horns Down moving forward? It’s not an answer Commissioner Greg Sankey wanted to answer on Monday. Instead, he was focusing on celebrating the conference’s two additions.

“I won’t be answering questions about football penalties on July 1st,” Sankey said via Georgia Stoia of On3’s Sooner Scoop.

Oklahoma fans will tell you the date does not matter — July 1, Oct. 12, or Dec. 1 — Horns Down is a popular thing in Norman. Even if Texas is not the opponent, you will see plenty of Sooner fans flashing the hand signal and showing their dislike of Texas.

There is nothing used as frequently in the SEC but examples of taunting teams have been used in the past. Plenty of SEC East rivals will do the Gator Chomp after making a big play against Florida. Kentucky will go Ls Down when facing Louisville, although the rivalry leaves conference borders.

Sankey will be available to questions again in just a few weeks, speaking at SEC Media Days in Dallas beginning on July 15. Maybe a two-week difference with all conference members present will provide us a better answer on potential rules surrounding Horns Down.

Horns Down will reportedly not be included in EA Sports College Football 25

According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic, ‘Horns Down’ has not been included in EA College Football 25. Something rival fans of the Texas Longhorns, specifically Oklahoma, use on a regular basis, you will not see any of it in the upcoming video game.

“I’ve been told that Horns Down will NOT be in the video game,” Vannini said via X. “Only hand signals for your own team.”

On the flip side, Texas fans in crowds will be seen doing the traditional Hook ‘Em Horns, something thousands of fans flash during typical game days. Whether it’s at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Cotton Bowl, or an opposing stadium — the hand signal is thought to be included.