No result shook up the college football season in Week 8 like UCF's stunning win over BYU.
As yet another top-10-ranked squad fell in an upset, the Knights beat the Cougars 39-31 in double-overtime, leading to a six-spot drop in the polls for BYU. But following the chaos of a field storming and fans' reaction to a big win, UCF is being penalized.
The Big 12 released a statement on Wednesday, announcing that it is fining UCF $100,000 for "discriminatory chants" directed at BYU during and after Saturday's game.
Here's what to know about the Big 12's fine to UCF.
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Big 12 fines UCF $100,000 for anti-LDS chants
In a statement released Wednesday, the Big 12 said it had completed a review of "discriminatory chants directed at BYU" from UCF's game on Saturday. Despite UCF following "pregame protocols" and taking action during the game, including removing fans "responsible for the conduct," the school is being fined $100,000.
The fine will go towards "student education initiatives," the conference announced.
"Discriminatory behavior has no place in the Big 12," the conference wrote. "The Big 12 remains committed to providing a respectful environment for student-athletes, coaches and fans. Discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated, and the Conference will continue working with its member institutions to prevent such behavior and ensure meaningful consequences when incidents occur."
As part of the announcement, the Big 12 also said that future discriminatory conduct will come with more severe penalties for repeat offenses, including during the same game.
News: The Big 12 has fined UCF $100,000 for anti-LDS chants during the BYU game. The conference has also updated its policy on discriminatory conduct, including: "A second confirmed incident during the same game will result in an in-game competitive penalty." https://t.co/oy0Y3VQSif
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 28, 2026What was the chant that got UCF fined?
The Big 12 did not name specific chants that resulted in UCF's fine, but various reports have detailed vulgar language being used by fans at the game.
According to News 6, “(Expletive) the Mormons” was chanted by the crowd. The chants were allegedly "anti-LDS in nature," per On3.
Opposing fans to BYU have caused similar apologies and instances in the past. Earlier this season, Colorado State issued an apology for derogatory chants, and in 2025, Cincinnati's athletic director apologized for derogatory chants by fans at Nippert Stadium vs. the Cougars, per ESPN.
Colorado State University has issued an apology to BYU for derogatory chants. https://t.co/9LDfxdf5Wg
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 20, 2026Future penalties for anti-LDS chants
The Big 12 is also implementing more significant penalties if "discriminatory conduct" continues at future games.
Moving forward, a first incident at a game will result in a $100,000 fine at minimum, similar to UCF's. A formal warning will also be issued, "providing the institution an opportunity to immediately address the behavior and prevent further incidents."
If a second incident occurs during the same game, it will result in an in-game penalty, such as "a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty in football or an unsportsmanlike two-shot technical foul in basketball," according to the Big 12. It may result in an additional $500,000 fine.
Fans who are ejected for discriminatory conduct will be banned from all Big 12 athletic events for the remainder of the academic year, the conference added.
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