University of Cincinnati football fans caught in 'disgusting' discriminatory chants in BYU clash

University of Cincinnati football fans are under fire for a profane, derogatory chant directed at visiting BYU and followers of the Church of Latter-day Saints.

'F*** the Mormons!' Bearcats supporters yelled at several times during Saturday's 26-14 loss to the Cougars at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

At one point, the school's public address announcer urged fans to cease the 'derogatory' message, albeit with little success.

Similar chants have been directed at BYU in past sporting events with USC (2021), Oregon (2022), Providence College (2024) and Arizona (2025), all of which ultimately issued apologies. Colorado was also fined $50,000 in September over the chants, while Texas Tech's basketball coach Grant McCasland warned fans against taunting Cougars players earlier this month.

Daily Mail has reached out to Cincinnati Athletic Department spokespeople for comment.

Founded in 1875 by Joseph Smith's top disciple, Brigham Young, BYU is considered the faith's flagship university.

A Bearcats fan account connected to Barstool Sports has issued an apology to BYU supporters.

'BYU fans,' the post began. 'We apologize for the students actions during the football game yesterday. It is inexcusable and we need to be better. It is not representative of the university and this city. You are the classiest fan base in the Big 12 and we are sorry we did not return the favor.

'Thank you for being so kind and respectful during your visit to Nippert Stadium,' read a following post. 'Thank you for your kindness donations and volunteering around the city this week. We hope your next experience in Cincinnati is better.

'Good luck the rest of the season!'

That X post garnered a heartwarming support from Cougars fans, many of whom were happy to forgive the Bearcats faithful.

'This feels heartfelt,' read one response. 'Thank you.

'As a member having grown up with this kind of religious treatment my whole life, it no longer surprises me, although it still hits the same way it did when I was younger. It's hurtful. Some people don't care. I do. I brush it off, but not without it affecting me for a moment. It makes me feel like a second-class citizen. I wish people would think about their language. Words matter.'

Others were less forgiving.

'Yeah, the apologies are starting to ring a little hollow after it happens almost every place they go,' read another post. 'Unbelievable that this is acceptable in today's society.'

'It was ridiculous and disgusting,' wrote a self-identified Ohio State fan from Cincinnati. 'So disappointed and it most definitely does not represent UC and Cincy as a whole. I can't even believe they did. It hurt hearing that, made me so mad.'

As for the game, BYU kept its Big 12 title game hopes alive thanks to a career-high 222 rushing yards from LJ Martin.

'I was really proud of LJ and the entire offense,' Cougars coach Kalani Sitake said. 'Really fortunate we got the win here. We were able to posses the ball and get some first downs. That's our kind of style.'

BYU (10-1, 7-1) hosts Central Florida on Saturday, as Cincinnati (7-4, 5-3) heads to play TCU in Fort Worth.