Big 12 Announces Oklahoma State’s Penalty For Chants During BYU Game
Feb 8, 2026, 12:54 PM | Updated: Feb 9, 2026, 5:10 am
PROVO, Utah – The Big 12 Conference announced that Oklahoma State has been fined for chants during a men’s basketball game against BYU.
Oklahoma State is being fined $50,000 for chants that referenced the “Mormon religion” (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
BYU lost to Oklahoma State 99-92 in Stillwater.
Big 12 fines Oklahoma State $50k for chants during basketball game against BYU
The Big 12 announced that Oklahoma State has been fined $50,000 for chants during the basketball game against BYU. pic.twitter.com/xsvYjdlFqg
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 8, 2026
The Big 12’s statement on the fine was the following:
“In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game. The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”
Kevin Young expressed disappointment over the chants
BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young shared his thoughts at the end of his press conference in Stillwater last week.
“There was some ‘F the Mormons’ chants tonight by the student section that I heard. It’s a great win for Oklahoma State University; their fans should be proud. But it would be great if some class was in there as well,” said BYU coach Kevin Young last Wednesday.
“I got four small kids at home. You know, I’m a Mormon. When I go home, they’re going to ask me about it. The same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona. There’s just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that. We got enough problems in our world without going at people’s religion and beliefs. And like, whether it’s in vogue or not. Our whole team, we only have probably four or five guys that are Mormon on the team. I understand what we represent.
“Even for a guy like AJ (Dybantsa), that stuff is unwarranted. And like I said, man, I try to talk to our guys about being examples in the world. Like, we can use basketball to really just bring people together and not tear people apart, is something we talk about a lot. It’s just disappointing.
“So, I hope someone prints that. I hope it’s in bold in someone’s publication. And maybe just try together as a society help the world move forward and not divide each other with hate and things that’s really nonsensical.”
Oklahoma State issued a statement after its investigation into the chants
Oklahoma State University issued a statement on Sunday following the Big 12’s announcement of a $50,000 fine.
Statement from Oklahoma State University pic.twitter.com/QZcY0Zpxzw
— Oklahoma State Athletics (@OSUAthletics) February 8, 2026
“The university conducted an immediate investigation into the allegation that a group of students used an inappropriate chant during last Wednesday’s men’s basketball game between OSU and BYU.
“It was determined that a derogatory chant followed a disputed call and referenced the Mormon faith in relation to game officials. The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations. Oklahoma State respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine.
“The Cowboy Code calls us to treat others with respect and dignity. Oklahoma State University values the relationship we have with BYU and deeply respects its community and faith. We will continue to work to ensure that the atmosphere at our events reflects the values of the Cowboy family.”
During the 2025-26 academic year, Oklahoma State became the third Big 12 school to have chants referencing the Latter-day Saint faith during a game against BYU. The University of Colorado and the University of Cincinnati both had chants during football games against BYU last fall.
Last year, the University of Arizona had chants at a basketball game in Tucson.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
