Big 12 Investigating Alleged Anti-Mormon Chants at OSU-BYU Game

The Big 12 conference announced Thursday that it will be investigating claims of anti-mormon chants cried during Oklahoma State’s 99-92 upset win against No. 16 BYU on Wednesday.

The allegations came to light postgame when BYU coach Kevin Young alleged students chanted ‘F them Mormons’ late in the second half. Young ended his postgame session with the media by addressing the matter, taking a moment of silence to reflect before congratulating OSU on its win while simultaneously demanding change within the realm of college athletics.

"There were some 'F them Mormons' chants tonight," Young said. "It was a great win for Oklahoma State. I think their fans should be proud, but it would be great if some class was warranted. I have four small kids at home, I'm a Mormon, and when I go home, they're gonna ask me about it.”

OSU fans and students have since taken their opinion to social media, declaring the alleged chants to be false. Many have stated on X “Ref’s a Mormon” to actually have been what was chanted, which arose shortly after a controversial foul call late in the second half of Wednesday’s game in Gallagher-Iba Arena. 

👂 Listen for yourself

Regardless, with the Big 12’s involvement, a hefty fine might be coming OSU’s way, should the conference unveil the allegations to be true. 

"The Big 12 Conference is aware of and is investigating reports of inappropriate chants that occurred during last night's BYU-Oklahoma State Men's Basketball game," Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement issued by the conference. "All parties have been notified. The Conference has zero tolerance for behavior of this nature and will address the matter in accordance with Big 12 sportsmanship policies.”

According to ESPN, this is the fourth time within the past year in which such chants have arisen at BYU games. The first transpired when Arizona hosted the Cougars during the 2024-25 basketball season. The university released a public apology shortly after.

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The same chant arose when Colorado and Cincinnati hosted BYU during the 2025 college football seasons. Both schools apologized, and the Big 12 fined Colorado $50,000 according to a report from The Athletic.

Young said only five players on BYU’s roster are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though, given his involvement within the Mormon faith, he said he understood what the church represents. 

“There's too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that," Young said. "We've got enough problems in our world without going for people's religion and beliefs.”

On Thursday, OSU president Jim Hess released a statement regarding the matter shortly after the Big 12 made its announcement. Hess condemned the alleged chants, promising to thoroughly investigate the claims. 

“I am aware of concerns raised by BYU's coaching staff regarding the conduct of some individuals in attendance at Wednesday’s basketball game,” Hess said in the statement. “Any behavior that targets or demeans others has no place at Oklahoma State University and does not reflect who we are as Cowboys. 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.”

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