Cincinnati football fans chant derogatory chants toward BYU players, AD apologizes

Cincinnati Bearcats fans were heard making a derogatory chant toward BYU Cougars players during their matchup Saturday and the school’s athletic director apologized.

Cincinnati fans were heard chanting, “Fuck 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 signals a replay with the officials during the Bearcats game, 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 each visiting team and its fans are treated with dignity and respect.”

The chanting occurred a day after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered a truck full of 27,000 pounds of food to the University of Cincinnati campus pantry. The pantry provides students, staff and faculty with food insecurity assistance.

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier throws a pass against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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College football fans have been seen directing foul chants at BYU players this season and in recent years. In September 2022, an Oregon high school recruit left a game early due to chanting during a Ducks and Cougars game.

More recently, Colorado Buffaloes fans were heard shouting the same comments 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 if Cincinnati will receive the same punishment.

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier watches Cincinnati safety Christian Harrison run the ball on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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BYU was ranked 11th in the latest News Top 25 poll on Sunday. Last week, the College Football Playoff committee also ranked them 11th.

The News contributed to this report.

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