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Cincinnati Bearcats fans were heard chanting a derogatory chant at BYU Cougars players during their matchup Saturday, and the school’s athletic director has issued an apology.
Cincinnati fans were heard chanting “F—the Mormons” as the Cougars picked up their 10th win of the season in a 26-14 effort. BYU is the flagship school of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is located in Provo, Utah.
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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, center, looks forward to a replay with officials during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
“The use of offensive or religiously derogatory language by a group of fans during Saturday’s game was unacceptable and does not reflect our values,” Cincinnati athletic director John Cunningham wrote in a social media post. “We remain committed to creating an environment at Nippert Stadium where all visiting teams and their supporters are treated with dignity and respect.”
The chants occurred one day after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered a truckload of 27,000 pounds of food to the University of Cincinnati’s campus pantry. The pantry provides food insecurity assistance to students, staff and faculty.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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College football fans have been seen directing the foul chant at BYU players this season and in recent years. In September 2022, an Oregon high school recruit left a game early because of the chant during a Ducks and Cougars game.
Recently, Colorado Buffaloes fans were heard shouting the same remarks during a game in Boulder this season. Coach Deion Sanders issued an apology shortly before the Big 12 Conference fined the school $50,000.
It is unclear if Cincinnati will receive the same penalty.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks at Cincinnati safety Christian Harrison (5) as he runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Cincinnati (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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BYU was ranked 11th in the latest Associated Press top 25 poll on Sunday. Last week, the College Football Playoff committee ranked them 11th as well.
