The Big 12 conference is having difficulty differentiating and addressing certain forms of trash talking directly circulating around the Texas Longhorns.

Some use it as “bulletin board” material, others shake it off as nothing but trash talking is and always will be a huge part of sports. In the Big 12, the Texas Longhorns have been the major brand for football in the conference for quite some time. This hasn't always correlated to wins on the field, but they have their own network and everyone always wants to take out Texas.

This has led to the ‘horns down' symbol being tossed out in recent years and it's exactly how it sounds. As a form of taunting the Longhorns, opponents have flipped the Longhorns logo upside down in a form of celebration in recent years. And for one reason or another, the Big 12 is now trying to address it.

Big 12 media day continued on Thursday and speaking at one point was the conference's coordinator of officials, Greg Burks.

Burks addressed the ‘horns down' dilemma and his comments have made things even more confusing now.

https://twitter.com/jasonkersey/status/1415678792018784262

So from the sounds of it, referees will have to now identify who the horns down gesture is being directed at. The use of the word “probably” definitely makes things more foggier.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the field during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas beat out Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss for 2026 DB recruit
Kevin Kelly, Director of Player Evaluation & Acquisition laughs with Head Coach Dabo Swinney during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C.
4-star DB chooses Clemson football over Florida, South Carolina
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick attends Bay Golf Club against Atlanta Drive GC in the TGL semifinal match at SoFi Center on March 18, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Michael Vick strengthens Norfolk State defense in transfer portal

Saying players “probably won't” be penalized for doing the sign at your own fans isn't exactly a vote of confidence. Saying a player “probably will” get a flag if they gesture it at a Texas player makes it even more unclear.

A simple solution for the Big 12 would be to let it ride, it's a simple gesture and players have different ways of trash talking all the time. If anyone is seriously offended with this gesture, it's a you problem.