The Big 12 Conference has fined UCF $100,000 because of derogatory chants aimed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a football game against BYU. According to a report published October 29, the league stated the fine will be directed toward student education initiatives.
The incident occurred prior to kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Orlando, Fla., when video showed UCF fans chanting a slur regarding Mormons. University security removed some fans from the game, which UCF won in overtime. UCF athletics spokesman Adam Widman stated in an email Wednesday night that the university will be reviewing its options after becoming aware of the conference's decision.
In conjunction with the fine, the Big 12 announced a new conference-wide policy involving escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct. The policy includes an automatic minimum $100,000 fine and a warning after a first confirmed incident. A second incident during the same game could result in an in-game penalty, such as a 15-year unsportsmanlike penalty in football or a two-shot technical foul in basketball, and a $500,000 fine may also be levied. Additionally, fans kicked out for such conduct will be banned from attending athletic events for the remainder of the school year and remain subject to university fan or student conduct policies.
This is the latest in several recent incidents involving BYU and discriminatory chants. Colorado State issued an apology in September after fans targeted BYU and the Mormon church with derogatory chants. The Big 12 previously fined Oklahoma State $50,000 in February following inappropriate chants during a men's basketball game against BYU. Additionally, Colorado was issued a $50,000 fine for similar chants at a football game a year ago. Similar incidents also occurred at an Arizona men's basketball game during the 2024-25 season and a Cincinnati football game in November 2025, though neither school was fined.
No. 8 BYU (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) is scheduled to host Arizona State (4-3, 2-2) on Saturday and will play No. 6 Utah (7-0, 4-0) in the Holy War rivalry game on Nov. 7.
