The 2019 Ohio State football team is considered one of the best teams to ever suit up in the history of the program. They went undefeated in the regular season and looked like they were going to take down Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl for a shot to play LSU in the national championship.
Unfortunately, they were not given the opportunity to do that. The referees made sure of that, making two game-altering calls. The first one was a terrible targeting call that they made on Shaun Wade, throwing him out of the game and altering the momentum of the game.
The second call was much worse and much more consequential. After review, a fumble that was scooped up and taken for a touchdown by Jeff Okudah was changed to an incomplete pass, despite the receiver taking three steps. Both decisions were made by referee Ken Williamson. Now, the SEC has canned him for his incompetence.
Ref who screwed Ohio State vs. Clemson in 2019 has been permanently suspended by the SEC
According to a report by Yellowhammer News in Alabama, Williamson has been removed from officiating any more SEC games following several gaffes in the Georgia/Auburn game. Former referee and current rules analyst Terry McCauley seemed to confirm the report on social media.
It’s true.
— Terry McAulay (@tjmcaulay) October 22, 2025
As of the time of this publication, the SEC has not commented on the report. Fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes will not be surprised by this, and they are still angry. Many are convinced that the Buckeyes could have beaten LSU for the title in 2019 had the refs not taken that Fiesta Bowl from them.
Suspending an official in the middle of the season seems like an unprecedented move. This is the second time this season that a game involving Auburn has had major officiating questions. The Big Ten might have to follow suit with this form of punishment if there is repeated poor officiating.
The Buckeyes haven't had any major calls alter any game so far this season, although there were some questionable calls against them in the opener vs. Texas. This news won't make any fans feel better about what transpired in 2019.