Mississippi football's Nick Cull avoided an ejection during theCollege Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinalon Thursday, Jan. 8.
As Malachi Toney reeled in a catch from Carson Beck at the Miami 49 in the first quarter, he was hit by Cull in a helmet-to-helmet collision. Right away, the officials flagged Cull for targeting, with both Toney and Cull staying down on the field with an injury.
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After officials reviewed the play, the call on the field was overturned, as the officials determined that Cull did not launch and the collision seemed to be incidental. Replay assistant Matt Austin concurred with the call on the field.
The play had a major impact on the game as well. If the call had been upheld, Miami would have had the ball at theOle Miss34-yard line with a chance to expand its 3-0 lead. However, a few plays later, the Hurricanes were forced to punt from the 49-yard line.
On the first play of the second quarter, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacey scored on a 73-yard run to give the Rebels a 7-3 lead.
Because he was not called for targeting, Cull was not ejected from the game, which means Ole Miss will have him for the remainder of the game, if he can clear the concussion protocol. He was in the tent following the play.
Ole Miss safety Nick Cull is in the medical tent being evaluated for concussion protocol. He is questionable to return.#GoCanes#HottyToddy#CFBPlayoff#FiestaBowlpic.twitter.com/LKGTXesXZE
— The Sideline Report (@Mikebalotti__)January 9, 2026
Cull has 15 total tackles and three pass deflections this season for the Rebels.
Meanwhile, Toney went to the medical tent briefly for the Hurricanes, but returned to the game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ole Miss S Nick Cull's targeting call reversed vs Miami in CFP semifinal
