Big 12 addressing security concerns with helmet communications

The use of unencrypted frequencies for coach-player communications during Power 4 college football games this season has led to significant security concerns.

According to a report from ESPNThanks to these unencrypted channels, anyone with a scanner and knowledge of the relevant frequencies can potentially access in-game communications. This vulnerability came to light after Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt discovered that the Red Raiders’ helmet communications were accessible to the public. Hocutt then raised the issue with the Big 12 athletic directors, leading to immediate action to protect game integrity.

The Big 12 responded quickly, instructing member schools to send their helmet communications equipment to GSC, the supplier for all Power 4 teams, for a software update that would introduce encryption. The update aims to ensure that the devices are safe for upcoming games. Other Power 4 conferences, including the SEC, ACC and Big Ten, were already aware of the issue and contacted the JSC to keep their communications systems secure. Despite some initial security concerns, officials at these conferences reported no known cases of compromised communications during games.

This season marks the first time the NCAA has allowed helmet communication and tablets between coach and player in games at the FBS level. The format, which is similar to the NFL, is a step forward with play-calling.

“We have to play a game on Saturday afternoon where the integrity is not in question in any way,” Hocutt told ESPN. “We owe it to the 120 young men on our football team to ensure that this happens, that it is a game of fair competition and that the same rules are enforced.”

The rule change for the use of the communications was approved in April, following an NCAA investigation into a signal-stealing controversy involving Michigan. A frequency coordinator discovered the problem with unencrypted communications frequencies during the Texas A&M-Arkansas game in late September and notified both the SEC and other involved parties. Since then, football operations executives across the Power 4 conferences have worked together to address the issue.

Although the risk of actual interference or eavesdropping is estimated to be low, the revelation has caused concern and frustration among athletic directors, who assumed they were equipped with encryption similar to that of the NFL. In response, the Big 12 recommended switching to backup frequencies as an interim measure until GSC’s software update was ready. However, it appears that not all football staff were aware of the frequency change.

Texas Tech in particular has taken steps to secure its communications, opting to switch to an encrypted system from CoachComm for its game against Iowa State. This preventative measure reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring game integrity in times of uncertainty. Some athletic directors in the Big 12 have also called for an investigation into past games to confirm their integrity, underscoring the seriousness with which they view the issue. No word if Utah’s Mark Harlin has expressed concerns about the issue.

While some coaches question whether unencrypted communications provide a tangible competitive advantage due to the challenges of interpreting and responding to intercepted information, the need for security is still paramount. The Power 4 Conferences continue to work with GSC to maintain safe and fair competition in college football.