Big 12 levies $100,000 fine on UCF for fan chants at BYU

The Big 12 Conference fined the University of Central Florida $100,000 on Wednesday following derogatory chants directed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by UCF fans during last weekend's game against BYU. The league stated the penalty will fund student education initiatives.

Video circulating on social media showed UCF supporters chanting an obscenity-laced slur before kickoff on Saturday. University security removed several fans from the stadium. UCF won the contest in overtime.

The fine reflects a new conference-wide policy with escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct. The Big 12 stated that such behavior has no place in the league. Under the rules, a first confirmed incident at an athletic event triggers a minimum fine of $100,000 and a warning. A second incident at the same game results in an in-game penalty, which may include a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in football or a two-shot technical foul in basketball. The conference noted that a $500,000 fine may also be imposed.

Fans ejected for this behavior are barred from athletic events for the remainder of the school year. They may also face further action under university fan or student conduct rules.

Adam Widman, a UCF athletics spokesman, said in an email Wednesday night that the school is reviewing its options following the conference decision.

This fine follows similar incidents involving BYU. Colorado State apologized in September after its fans used derogatory chants. In February, the Big 12 fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for inappropriate chants at a men's basketball game against BYU. Colorado received a $50,000 fine a year earlier for similar chants at a football game. Comparable incidents were reported at an Arizona men's basketball game in the 2024-25 season and a Cincinnati football game in November 2025, though neither school was fined.

No. 8 BYU, which stands 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, hosts Arizona State on Saturday. The Cougars then travel to face No. 6 Utah in the Holy War rivalry game on Nov. 7.