BYU Coach Kevin Young Condemns GIA Chants, Big 12 Investigating

There is a not-so-fun side to the Cowboys’ big win against BYU on Wednesday night.

After Oklahoma State’s 99-92 victory against the Cougars, BYU coach Kevin Young made a point to bring up some chanting he had heard during the game.

“There was some ‘F the Mormons’ chants tonight by the student section that I heard,” Young said. “It’s a great win for Oklahoma State University. Their fans should be proud, but it’d be great if some class was in there, as well. I got four small kids at home. I’m a Mormon. When I go home, they’re gonna ask me about it, same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona.

“There’s just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that when we got enough problems in our world without going at people’s religion and believes and whether it’s in vogue or not. Our whole team, we only have probably four or five guys who are even Mormon on the team. I understand what we represent.”

BYU coach Kevin Young said he heard some “F- the Mormons” chants during the #OkState game.

He wasn’t happy. pic.twitter.com/n1OVQS1K4o

— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) February 5, 2026

For what it’s worth, some OSU fans have come forward on social media and said the chant was ‘Ref’s a Mormon’ in regard to an official.

I was at Wednesday’s game but heard neither chant from up in the 300s where the media sits.

The situation has warranted the Big 12 to take a look, with conference commissioner Brett Yormark releasing the following statement:

“The Big 12 Conference is aware of and is investigating reports of inappropriate chants that occurred during last night’s BYU-Oklahoma State Men’s Basketball game. All parties have been notified. The Conference has zero tolerance for behavior of this nature and will address the matter in accordance with Big 12 sportsmanship policies.”

This wouldn’t be the first time BYU has be the subject of such chants. Young mentioned Arizona, and according to Desert News‘ Jackson Payne, USC, Oregon, Providence and Cincinnati are among schools that have issued apologies for similar chants since 2021.

UPDATE

Oklahoma State University president Jim Hess released the following statement on Thursday:

“I am aware of concerns raised by BYU’s coaching staff regarding the conduct of some individuals in attendance at Wednesday’s basketball game. Any behavior that targets or demeans others has no place at Oklahoma State University and does not reflect who we are as Cowboys. The Cowboy Code calls us to treat others with respect and dignity, and we are reviewing what occurred and will address any violations of our standards of conduct appropriately.

“Oklahoma State University values the relationship we have with BYU and deeply respects their community and their faith. I have reached out to BYU leadership directly to express our commitment to upholding the standards we expect from our community. We will continue to work with our students and fans to ensure that the atmosphere at our events reflects the values of the Cowboy family.”