Big 12 Fines UCF $100,000 and Sets New In Game Penalty Rule

Big 12 issues fine after UCF fan chants

The Big 12 Conference has fined UCF $100,000 after fans directed derogatory chants at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The chants happened before kickoff during UCF's overtime win against BYU last weekend.

Videos shared on social media showed fans chanting before the game. University security removed some people from the stadium. The money from the fine will go toward student education initiatives.

UCF athletics spokesman Adam Widman shared the school's response. He said in an email Wednesday night, "After becoming aware of the conference's decision, we will be reviewing our options."

Big 12 creates strict new penalty policy

Along with the fine, the Big 12 introduced a new conference wide policy to stop discriminatory conduct. A first confirmed incident triggers an automatic minimum fine of $100,000 and an official warning.

If a second incident occurs during the same game, teams will face actual in game penalties. In football, that means a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty. In basketball, it results in a two shot technical foul. The league can also levy a $500,000 fine for a second offense.

Fans who get kicked out for this behavior face a ban from all athletic events for the rest of the school year. They are also subject to university fan or student conduct policies.

BYU fan treatment leads to multiple sanctions

This is not the first time a conference member faced discipline over treatment of BYU, the flagship school for the Mormon church.

Colorado was issued a $50,000 fine a year ago for similar chants at a football game. Oklahoma State received a $50,000 fine in February after inappropriate chants at a men's basketball game against BYU. Colorado State issued an apology in September after fans targeted BYU with derogatory chants.

Other incidents occurred without fines. Arizona had an incident during a 2024-25 men's basketball game, and Cincinnati had one during a November 2025 football game. Eighth ranked BYU is currently 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play.

What it means for the next game

Baylor Bears at UCF Knights (College Football, Fri, 30 Oct): UCF Knights win 49%, Baylor Bears win 51%; projected score UCF Knights 25, Baylor Bears 23. Our safest pick: UCF +8.5.

Arizona State Sun Devils at BYU Cougars (College Football, Sat, 31 Oct): BYU Cougars win 85%, Arizona State Sun Devils win 15%; projected score BYU Cougars 33, Arizona State Sun Devils 17. Our safest pick: BYU to win.