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Cincinnati Bearcats fans were heard shouting a derogatory chant toward BYU Cougars players during their game Saturday and the school’s athletic director issued an apology.
Cincinnati fans were heard shouting “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, contemplates 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 every visiting team and its fans are treated with dignity and respect.”
The chants came a day after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered a 27,000-pound truckload of food to the University of Cincinnati campus food pantry. The pantry provides students, staff and faculty with assistance during times of food insecurity.
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 profane chants at BYU players this season and in recent years. In September 2022, an Oregon high school recruit left a game early because of chanting at a Ducks and Cougars game.
Most recently, Colorado Buffaloes fans were heard shouting the same remarks during a game in Boulder this season. Coach Deion Sanders apologized shortly before the Big 12 Conference fined the school $50,000.
It’s unclear whether Cincinnati will receive the same punishment.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) watches 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 Sunday in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll. Last week, the College Football Playoff committee also placed them in 11th place.
