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Michigan's Barham Penalized for Controversial Headbutt on Ref

11/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham appeared to headbutt a referee in the first quarter of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game on November 29, 2025, and received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The officials did not eject Barham, a decision that surprised commentators including Fox's Joel Klatt and former NFL referee Terry McAulay.
The penalty gave Ohio State an automatic first down, and they ultimately settled for a field goal.

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Story summary

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham appeared to headbutt a referee in the first quarter of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game on November 29, 2025, and received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The officials did not eject Barham, a decision that surprised commentators including Fox's Joel Klatt and former NFL referee Terry McAulay.
The penalty gave Ohio State an automatic first down, and they ultimately settled for a field goal.