The Minnesota Gophers football team suffered a controversial 27-14 defeat against the California Golden Bears on September 16, 2025. The match was marred by a disputed officiating decision during the third quarter that pivotal to the outcome of the game.
As California running back Brandon High was fighting for extra yards on a first down, Koi Perich of the Gophers, along with teammates, attempted to bring him down. Perich’s actions resulted in High’s knee landing on his chest while Minnesota linebacker Devon Williams successfully knocked the ball loose. Following a scramble, Williams managed to recover what appeared to be a fumble. However, referee Nate Black ruled that High was down by contact, signaling for a second down instead of awarding the turnover to Minnesota.
The timing of the call was critical. At that moment, the Gophers led the game 14-10, and if the turnover had been awarded, Minnesota would have taken possession at California’s 25-yard line. Instead, the Bears retained the ball and subsequently scored a touchdown, taking control of the game.
An official from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) commented that all plays are subject to review, but it is up to the head referee to determine if a deeper examination is warranted. This process has come under scrutiny, especially following the recent resignation of Gary Patterson, a longtime ACC official. He stepped down after expressing frustration over the handling of a review in a game between Syracuse and Connecticut, where a delay in the review process affected the flow of the game.
The controversy surrounding officiating decisions is not new for the Gophers. Last September, a similar situation occurred during their 27-14 loss to Michigan, where a questionable offside call on an onside kick led to a turnover. The Big Ten later acknowledged this mistake, stating that the play was too close to warrant a flag and announced changes to officiating mechanics to improve future decisions.
In Berkeley, California, Jim Phillips, the ACC commissioner, attended the game, which may draw further attention to the conference’s officiating standards. The Gophers will have a bye week before returning to action in Big Ten play against Rutgers at 11:00 on September 27 at Huntington Bank Stadium.
As the Gophers reflect on this loss, the implications of officiating decisions and how they can shape the trajectory of a season become increasingly evident. The team hopes to rebound and focus on the challenges ahead as they aim for success in their upcoming games.
