What is horns down?

"Horns down" is a hand gesture associated with American college sports, particularly in football, and is most notably linked to the rivalry between the University of Texas at Austin and its opponents. The gesture involves the downward-facing version of the University of Texas' "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign, which resembles the head of a longhorn steer with the index and pinky fingers extended upwards and the other fingers folded down.

When opposing teams or their fans perform the "horns down" gesture, it is typically meant as a taunt or to express disdain towards the University of Texas Longhorns. This gesture has been a point of contention and debate within college sports, as some view it as unsportsmanlike or disrespectful.

In recent years, the Big 12 Conference has addressed the use of the "horns down" gesture, with officials indicating that it could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct in certain contexts during games. However, enforcement can vary depending on the situation and the officials' discretion. The debate over the gesture continues to be a topic of discussion, especially during the football season and in high-stakes games involving the Texas Longhorns.