What is 'horns down?' Explaining the anti-Texas gesture and whether it will be a penalty in the SEC

The 2024 season this fall marks a monumental one in collegiate sports. The landscape of the NCAA has changed, with a multitude of programs shifting conferences. One of the biggest switches that occurred is Texas joining the SEC.

With the legendary football program joining arguably the best conference in the sport, it is going to create an even more intense football environment involving the Longhorns. Texas has a passionate fan base, but even more important is that it invokes plenty of emotion coming back its own way.

We're talking, of course, about 'horns down.'

The hand gesture is at the top of the list for opponents and their fans to use whenever going against the burnt orange. It's become almost as popular as the 'Hook 'Em Horns' signal it is intended to mock, giving rivals fuel to rub the Longhorns and their shortcomings.

It certainly comes with plenty of controversy, so what is the SEC's stance on the matter for its newest member? The Sporting News explains.

MORE: Kirby Smart is now the must-see man at SEC media days

What is 'horns down?'

'Horns down' is a hand gesture that is used to taunt Longhorns players and fans.

The Texas fan base is known for making the 'Hook 'em Horns' gesture as a way of celebrating key plays by their school's athletic teams. It involves putting your pointer and pinky finger up, creating what looks like the Longhorns logo. The infamous sign was created by Texas head cheerleader Harley Clark in 1955

So, what's the best way to get Texas back when something doesn't go its way? 'Horns down.' That is the same gesture as the Hook 'Em motion, however, it involves pointing the fingers down.

'Horns down' penalty

The Big 12 kept a close eye on teams making the horns down signal in Texas' direction. So, what about the SEC?

At the conference's media day, SEC coordinator of officials John McDaid explained the approach the conference will take about 'horns down' and if there is a penalty attached to it.

"We’re going to read the context in which it’s done," McDaid said. "I ask my officials to use the judgment of, is it taunting an opponent, is it making a travesty of the game, or is it otherwise affecting our ability to manage the game?

"If an opponent of Texas scores a touchdown and in celebration with their teammate going back up the sideline, gives the signal, that’s not an issue. … If he tackles a player and stands over him and gives it, then we’ve got taunting, then we’ve got unsportsmanlike conduct."

McDaid explained that dealing with these kinds of gestures isn't unchartered territory for the SEC. The conference deals with the 'Gator Chomp' at Florida and the 'Shark Fin' at Ole Miss.

So, is it a penalty? Technically yes, but it's going to be on a judgment basis.

"I know it’s a passionate topic," McDaid said. "I don’t have any issue with (being asked). The only thing that takes me back is how often I’m asked the question. … But I get it. The game is emotion and passion. That’s what makes it so darn fun. As an officiating unit, we need to deal with that."