Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-28**Lead**
The Big 12 Conference publicly condemned offensive chants directed at Brigham Young University players and fans by a section of the home crowd at the University of Central Florida during Saturday’s upset victory. In a statement released Monday, the league said it is reviewing the incident and working with both institutions to ensure such behavior is not repeated. The chants, which included vulgar language and anti-Mormon slurs, were heard during and after UCF’s 37-24 win over No. 13 BYU at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando.
**Context**
Saturday’s game marked the first meeting between UCF and BYU as Big 12 members, a conference that expanded in 2023 to include both schools along with Cincinnati and Houston. The matchup carried significant stakes: BYU entered the game with a 7-0 record and was ranked 13th in the College Football Playoff poll, while UCF was 3-4 and fighting for bowl eligibility. The Knights’ dominant performance stunned the visiting Cougars and ignited a raucous celebration among the home fans.
However, the atmosphere turned sour when videos posted on social media captured a portion of the UCF student section chanting expletives directed at BYU, including the phrase “F--- BYU,” as well as derogatory remarks about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors BYU. The chants continued even as UCF players attempted to calm the crowd during postgame festivities. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, a member of the LDS faith, was seen on the sideline gesturing toward the stands in apparent disapproval.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe released a statement Sunday acknowledging the incident and expressing disappointment. “We have been in contact with the Big 12 office and UCF leadership,” Holmoe said. “While we understand the passion of college football, there is no place for personal attacks or religious intolerance in our stadiums or anywhere in the conference.” UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir also issued an apology, calling the chants “unacceptable” and promising to identify and discipline those responsible.
The Big 12’s statement, attributed to commissioner Brett Yormark, did not announce specific sanctions but emphasized that the league is “committed to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.” The conference said it will work with UCF on enhanced fan education and security protocols for future games involving BYU or other schools with religious affiliations.
**Analise**
The incident highlights a recurring challenge for the Big 12 as it integrates new members with distinct cultural and religious identities. BYU’s presence in the conference has been a point of contention among some fan bases, particularly given the school’s honor code and its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. While the conference has publicly embraced diversity, the chants suggest that old prejudices persist among a vocal minority of fans.
For UCF, the episode risks damaging the school’s reputation just as it is trying to establish itself as a competitive and respected member of the Power Four. The university has invested heavily in its football program and fan experience, but incidents of fan misconduct can undermine those efforts. UCF’s swift apology and cooperation with the Big 12 are likely intended to mitigate any long-term fallout, but the conference may still impose a fine or require additional training for game-day staff.
From a broader perspective, the chants raise questions about the effectiveness of conference policies on sportsmanship and fan behavior. The Big 12, like most major conferences, has a code of conduct that prohibits discriminatory language, but enforcement is often reactive rather than proactive. The league’s decision to issue a public rebuke rather than a quiet reprimand signals that it views this as a serious breach of its values, especially given the religious nature of the slurs.
BYU, for its part, has historically faced hostility on the road due to its religious affiliation, but the intensity of Saturday’s chants was notable. The school’s leadership has chosen to focus on dialogue rather than escalation, a strategy that aligns with its institutional ethos. However, repeated incidents could strain relationships within the conference and prompt calls for stricter sanctions.
**Fontes**
- Big 12 Conference official statement, Oct. 28, 2024 - Statement from BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe, Oct. 27, 2024 - Statement from UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir, Oct. 27, 2024 - Video footage and reports from ESPN, The Associated Press, and local Orlando outlets documenting the chants - Public comments from BYU head coach Kalani Sitake during postgame press conference (Oct. 26, 2024)