Texas Longhorns Featured Twice on Top 10 Most-Controversial Calls of 2024
The 2024 sports season has already seen its fair share of dramatic moments, and for Texas Longhorns fans, two of those moments were unfortunately marred by controversial calls that sparked debate and left a lasting impact on their respective games. The Longhorns found themselves not once, but twice, featured on the Top 10 Most Controversial Calls of 2024, as both their football and basketball programs were involved in decisions that have generated significant buzz.
From questionable penalties on the football field to disputed fouls on the basketball court, these calls have captured the attention of fans, analysts, and even officials, as they continue to fuel discussions about fairness and the integrity of officiating in high-stakes games. Let’s take a deeper dive into both incidents and explore why these calls have caused such a stir.
1. Football: The Controversial Pass Interference Call in the Red River Rivalry
The first of the two controversial moments occurred during the annual Red River Rivalry game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. The intensity of this rivalry is always heightened, and in 2024, the game lived up to its billing—except for one critical call that left Longhorns fans fuming.
Late in the fourth quarter, with Texas trailing by just a field goal, the Longhorns had a chance to drive down the field and potentially tie or win the game. Quarterback Quinn Ewers dropped back and launched a deep pass down the sideline, aiming for Xavier Worthy, who had a step on his defender. As the ball flew through the air, there appeared to be significant contact between the cornerback and Worthy, preventing him from making a play on the ball.
The Texas sideline erupted in disbelief when the officials chose not to call pass interference. The missed call effectively ended the Longhorns’ hopes for a comeback, as they were unable to recover from the no-call, ultimately falling to Oklahoma.
In the days that followed, many analysts and fans alike took to social media to express their frustrations. Replay angles seemed to show clear contact before the ball arrived, with Worthy clearly impeded from making a fair attempt to catch the pass. While pass interference calls are often subjective and open to interpretation, this particular no-call seemed egregious to many observers, especially given the timing of the play.
As a result, the call was featured prominently in discussions of controversial officiating decisions across college football in 2024, with some even calling it one of the most impactful moments of the entire season
2. Basketball: The “No-Call” in the Big 12 Championship Game
Texas basketball fans were also at the center of controversy when their team found itself involved in a disputed foul call during the Big 12 Championship Game in March 2024 against Kansas. The game had all the makings of a thrilling finale, with both teams neck-and-neck for much of the contest. However, the outcome of the game—and the championship itself—was tainted by a controversial decision in the final seconds.
With Texas down by just one point and only a few seconds left on the clock, the Longhorns had one final opportunity to win or send the game into overtime. The ball found its way into the hands of Tyrese Hunter, who attempted a driving layup toward the basket as time was winding down. However, as Hunter went up for the shot, he was met with what appeared to be significant contact from a Kansas defender. The referee, though, made the call that left many scratching their heads: no foul.
Despite the clear contact, Hunter was not awarded free throws, and the Longhorns’ chances of winning the game evaporated. Texas fans were irate, believing that the referees had failed to recognize the foul at the most crucial moment. Replays showed a clear and forceful contact to Hunter’s arm, which many believed warranted at least a shooting foul.
This no-call in the final moments of such an important game not only cost Texas a potential championship but also stirred a much larger debate about officiating consistency, especially in critical late-game situations. The decision was widely criticized by Texas fans, media members, and even former players, who felt that the integrity of the game had been compromised.
The controversy surrounding this call earned it a place on the Top 10 Most-Controversial Calls of 2024, as it had significant implications for Texas’ postseason seeding and ultimately set the tone for their NCAA Tournament run.
Why These Calls Matter
Both of these controversial moments—one on the football field and one on the basketball court—had a profound impact on the Texas Longhorns’ 2024 season. Whether it was the heartbreaking no-call in the Red River Rivalry or the questionable no-foul decision in the Big 12 Championship, these calls altered the course of significant games and sparked ongoing discussions about the role of officiating in the outcome of high-profile contests.
In both cases, Texas found itself on the wrong end of decisions that many believed to be crucial and unfair. Fans, players, and coaches alike were vocal about their frustration, leading to broader conversations about the consistency and accuracy of officiating in college sports. For Texas, these calls were emblematic of the razor-thin margins that often determine the outcomes of major games.
While both teams—Texas football and Texas basketball—went on to perform well in the aftermath of these controversial moments, there’s no doubt that these calls will be remembered