NCAA Football

Big Ten: Refs incorrectly officiated Nebraska’s final PAT attempt

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Nebraska linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. (10) and defensive lineman Mason Goldman (86) celebrate after a play against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz) (Rebecca S. Gratz/AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

The Big Ten acknowledged an officiating error in Saturday's Maryland-Nebraska game that should have resulted in the Huskers retrying a point-after-touchdown attempt.

Nebraska led 48-23 with 6:35 left in the fourth quarter when Maryland was flagged for roughing the snapper on a PAT. The kick was missed, and Nebraska received the penalty yards on the ensuing kickoff. The Big Ten said Monday that by rule, officials should have applied the penalty immediately, resulting in the ball being moved half the distance to the goal and Nebraska repeating the try.

"The Big Ten has been in contact with its officiating team from Saturday's game regarding the error and will continue to emphasize consistent application of the playing rules," the league said in a statement.

Nebraska went on to win 48-23 in a game that featured 28 total penalties, the most in an FBS game since 2021. Huskers coach Matt Rhule called the number of penalties "ridiculous" and "poorly handed by the officials," adding, "I was frustrated today. There's things I've never had called before."

Rhule said Monday he accepted the penalty yards on the ensuing kickoff due to a miscommunication with a game official because he didn't realize the kick was missed, calling it a "poor" decision on his part.

ESPN's Max Olson contributed to this report.