Supporters of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats are facing significant criticism after a football game was marred by offensive chanting directed at the visiting Brigham Young University team and its fans.
Derogatory Chants Disrupt Big 12 Matchup
During Saturday's Big 12 conference game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Bearcats fans repeatedly yelled 'F*** the Mormons!' at the BYU Cougars and their supporters, who largely follow The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The incident occurred during Cincinnati's 26-14 loss to BYU.
The situation became so pronounced that the university's public address announcer felt compelled to intervene, urging spectators to stop the 'derogatory' message. Unfortunately, this appeal had little effect on the behaviour of some fans.
A Troubling Pattern of Behaviour
This is not an isolated incident for BYU sports teams. Similar chants have targeted the university at sporting events against USC in 2021, Oregon in 2022, Providence College in 2024, and Arizona in 2025. Each of these institutions ultimately issued apologies.
The consequences for such behaviour are becoming more serious. In September, Colorado was fined $50,000 over similar chants. Earlier this month, Texas Tech's basketball coach Grant McCasland proactively warned fans against taunting BYU players.
Apologies and Mixed Reactions
A Bearcats fan account connected to Barstool Sports issued a public apology to BYU supporters. 'We apologize for the students actions during the football game yesterday,' the post began. 'It is inexcusable and we need to be better.'
The account praised BYU fans as 'the classiest fan base in the Big 12' and thanked them for their kindness and volunteer work in Cincinnati during their visit.
Reactions to the apology were divided. Some BYU supporters appreciated the gesture, with one responding, 'This feels heartfelt. Thank you.' Another shared a more personal perspective, stating the chants made them feel 'like a second-class citizen' and emphasised that 'words matter.'
Others expressed scepticism, with one social media user noting that apologies 'are starting to ring a little hollow after it happens almost every place they go.' A local fan from Cincinnati, who identified as an Ohio State supporter, called the behaviour 'ridiculous and disgusting.'
As for the game itself, BYU kept its Big 12 title hopes alive with a strong performance. Running back LJ Martin rushed for a career-high 222 yards. Coach Kalani Sitake praised his team's ball possession and first-down conversions, calling it 'our kind of style.'
BYU, now 10-1 (7-1 Big 12), will host Central Florida next. Cincinnati, 7-4 (5-3 Big 12), travels to face TCU in Fort Worth. The Daily Mail has contacted the Cincinnati Athletic Department for comment.
