Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State $50,000 for Anti-Mormon Chants Targeting BYU

The conference says the inappropriate chants referencing the Mormon religion did not meet its standards.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The Big 12 Conference has fined Oklahoma State University $50,000 following an investigation into inappropriate chants targeting the Mormon religion during a men's basketball game against BYU last week. BYU's head coach claimed he heard "F--- the Mormons" chants from the Oklahoma State student section.

Why it matters

This incident is the latest in a string of anti-Mormon chants directed at BYU teams over the past year, raising concerns about sportsmanship and religious tolerance in college athletics.

The details

The Big 12 Conference stated that the chants "did not meet [their] standards and expectations" of sportsmanship. Oklahoma State acknowledged the fine and said they will not appeal it, noting the "reference to religion" was unacceptable. Similar incidents have occurred at other schools playing against BYU, though none have resulted in fines until now.

  • The incident occurred during Oklahoma State's 99-92 win over BYU on February 8, 2026.

The players

Big 12 Conference

The collegiate athletic conference that oversees Oklahoma State and issued the $50,000 fine.

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU men's basketball team, who claimed to have heard the anti-Mormon chants from the Oklahoma State student section.

Oklahoma State University

The university whose men's basketball team was fined $50,000 by the Big 12 for the inappropriate chants.

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What they’re saying

“The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations.”

— Oklahoma State University

“What we're trying to do is eliminate the behavior from happening and the apologies that come afterward.”

— Brian Santiago, BYU Athletic Director

What’s next

The Big 12 Conference has stated it will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others, and it remains to be seen if further disciplinary action will be taken against Oklahoma State or other schools if similar incidents occur in the future.

The takeaway

This fine highlights the ongoing challenge of promoting sportsmanship and inclusivity in college athletics, particularly when it comes to respecting religious and cultural differences among student-athletes and fans.