Oklahoma State Fined $50K Over Anti-Mormon Chant Toward BYU

The Big 12 issued the penalty after fans directed inappropriate chants at the opposing team.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 1:55pm

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The Big 12 Conference has fined Oklahoma State $50,000 over an anti-Mormon chant directed at BYU during the teams' men's basketball game on Wednesday. BYU coach Kevin Young expressed disappointment over the incident, saying "there's too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that." Oklahoma State's president said the university values its relationship with BYU and will address any violations of its standards of conduct.

Why it matters

This is the latest incident involving derogatory chants aimed at Mormons during BYU sporting events. The Big 12 has now issued fines to multiple schools over such inappropriate behavior, underscoring the conference's commitment to promoting respect and inclusivity among fans.

The details

After Oklahoma State's 99-92 upset win over No. 16 BYU, coach Kevin Young shared his disappointment over hearing "some 'F The Mormons' chants" from the Oklahoma State student section. The Big 12 investigated the "inappropriate chants" and issued a $50,000 fine to Oklahoma State, the second such fine levied by the conference in the past year for similar incidents.

  • The incident occurred during the Oklahoma State-BYU men's basketball game on Wednesday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Big 12 announced the $50,000 fine on Sunday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU men's basketball team.

Jim Hess

The president of Oklahoma State University, who said any behavior that targets or demeans others has no place at the school.

Chad Weiberg

The athletic director of Oklahoma State University, who apologized to BYU's athletic director over the incident.

Brian Santiago

The athletic director of BYU, who was not at the game but received an apology from Oklahoma State's athletic director.

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What they’re saying

“There's too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that. We've got enough problems in our world without going after people's religion and beliefs. ... This stuff is unwarranted. ... And it's just disappointing.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Men's Basketball Coach

“The Cowboy Code calls us to treat others with respect and dignity, and we are reviewing what occurred and will address any violations of our standards of conduct appropriately.”

— Jim Hess, Oklahoma State University President

What’s next

The Big 12 Conference has stated it will continue to monitor fan behavior at BYU games and take appropriate action against any schools whose fans engage in similar inappropriate chants or actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of promoting inclusivity and respect in college sports, even at the highest levels of competition. The Big 12's swift action in fining Oklahoma State sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, but more work remains to be done to address the root causes of this type of intolerance among fans.