Media reports and analysis of NCAA officiating controversies during the 2025 season

Texas's Michael Taaffe's Helmet-to-Helmet Hit on Defenseless Receiver Not Called Targeting in Peach Bowl

Jan 1, 2025, 09:42 PM

In a critical moment during the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff game on January 1, 2025, between Texas and Arizona State University (ASU), a controversial non-call on a targeting penalty sparked widespread debate. With approximately a minute left in a tie game in the fourth quarter, Texas defender Michael Taaffe delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit using the crown of his helmet on an ASU receiver, who was deemed a defenseless player and was knocked unconscious. Officials reviewed the play but ultimately decided not to call targeting. The decision drew significant criticism from observers who believed the hit met the definition of targeting, citing helmet-to-helmet contact with a defenseless receiver. The non-call potentially impacted the outcome as ASU was forced to punt following the decision.