BYU Receiver Parker Kingston Dismissed From Football Team After Rape Charge

Kingston accused of 2025 rape incident in Utah, released on $100,000 bail with ankle monitor

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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BYU officials announced that junior receiver Parker Kingston has been dismissed from the university's football team and is no longer a student, mere hours after Kingston made his first court appearance to face charges of first-degree felony rape from an alleged incident in February 2025 in Washington County, Utah. The 21-year-old Kingston was released on a $100,000 bail and ordered to wear a court-mandated ankle monitor during the hearing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious nature of the rape allegations against a high-profile college athlete and the swift action taken by the university to dismiss him from the team and school. It also raises questions about how universities handle such sensitive cases involving student-athletes and the balance between due process and protecting the campus community.

The details

According to police records, Kingston was booked on Wednesday and initially held without bond until Friday's court appearance. The judge ruled that there was clear and convincing evidence that Kingston posed a danger to the community, and ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim or her roommates, as well as to delete all social media apps from his phone. Despite being under investigation since last February, Kingston was still able to play the entire 2025 season for BYU, where he was the team's leading receiver.

  • On February 23, 2025, Kingston allegedly raped a 20-year-old woman in a St. George, Utah residence.
  • On February 11, 2026, Kingston was arrested and made his first court appearance to face the rape charges.
  • On February 14, 2026, BYU announced that Kingston was no longer a student or member of the football team.

The players

Parker Kingston

A 21-year-old former junior receiver for the BYU Cougars football team who has been charged with first-degree felony rape from an alleged incident in February 2025.

Kalani Sitake

The head coach of the BYU Cougars football team.

Judge John Walton

The judge who presided over Kingston's court appearance and ruled that there was clear and convincing evidence that he posed a danger to the community.

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What they’re saying

“As of Friday, Parker Kingston is no longer a student at Brigham Young University and is no longer a member of the BYU football team.”

— BYU, University administration and athletic administration (KSL Sports)

“I found by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Kingston was a danger to the community.”

— Judge John Walton (ABC4)

“You will not make any derogatory comments or disparagements regarding this alleged victim.”

— Judge John Walton (ABC4)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on a future date whether to allow Kingston to be released on bail or to remain in custody during the ongoing legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences faced by student-athletes accused of sexual assault, and the challenges universities face in balancing due process with protecting the campus community. It also raises questions about how such sensitive cases are handled and the transparency around investigations involving high-profile players.