NFL Referee Acknowledges Error by Officials in Ohio State vs. Michigan Game

A former NFL referee has acknowledged a significant officiating error in the Ohio State vs. Michigan matchup on Saturday. Ohio State emerged victorious over Michigan with a 27-9 score at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, ending Michigan's four-game winning streak in the historic rivalry.

The Buckeyes completed the regular season undefeated at 12-0 and are set to face Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game next weekend.

During the game, referees failed to enforce a call that many considered warranted an ejection. Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham collided with a referee in the first half, striking his helmet against the official's face while disputing a no-call. Despite the severity, Barham was not ejected and only received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, allowing him to remain in the contest.

Terry McAulay, a former NFL referee and NBC rules analyst, criticized the decision. According to McAulay, the play should have resulted in an automatic ejection. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated: "Automatic ejection. In no universe should he be allowed to play another down."

Despite the officiating controversy, Ohio State maintained control and secured the win. The decision, however, has sparked discussions about the consistency of officiating in high-profile college football games.

This report was first published by The Spun on November 30, 2025, in their College Football section.

Analysis: Officiating Controversy in Ohio State vs. Michigan

From my perspective, the officiating error in Saturday's Ohio State vs. Michigan game is significant and deserves closer examination. Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham’s collision with a referee should have triggered an automatic ejection according to standard rules, but he only received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This decision allowed him to continue playing, raising questions about enforcement consistency.

Former NFL referee Terry McAulay publicly criticized the call, stating it was a clear ejection scenario. His assessment highlights a disconnect between rule interpretation and on-field enforcement, especially in high-profile matchups where stakes are high and scrutiny is intense.

Despite this controversy, Ohio State maintained control of the game and finished the season undefeated at 12-0. While the officiating did not ultimately alter the outcome, it underscores the ongoing debate about officiating standards and accountability in college football, particularly in rivalry games with significant media attention.

Sources:

• NFL Ref Admits Officials Made Mistake In Ohio State vs. Michigan