Full Breakdown
Colorado State Apologizes for Anti-Faith Chants During BYU Football Game
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Immediate Response
During a Saturday night matchup at Canvas Stadium, Colorado State University (CSU) fans repeatedly chanted a profanity-laden slur aimed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the religious affiliation of Brigham Young University (BYU). The chant, heard before kickoff and throughout the game, prompted CSU to issue a public apology before the contest concluded. “It runs counter to our community’s values and to who we are. BYU’s players, coaches and fans deserved better,” — Colorado State
Background & Context
Anti-faith chants directed at BYU have appeared at other venues. The Big 12 fined the University of Colorado $50,000 in 2025 for similar slurs and penalized Oklahoma State earlier this year for chants at a basketball game. Prior apologies have been issued by Oregon (2022), Arizona men’s basketball (2025), and Cincinnati football (2025), showing a pattern of religiously-motivated taunts toward BYU.
Game Summary and Key Statistics
- Final score: BYU 41, Colorado State 23.
- BYU running back LJ Martin recorded 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 56-yard run.
- BYU amassed 559 total yards; quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 227 yards with one interception.
- Colorado State’s starting quarterback Hauss Hejny was injured early; backup K’saan Farrar also left, and third-string Darius Curry finished with a late touchdown.
- The Cougars improved to 3-0, marking their 20th three-win start in program history.
Official Statements & Responses
CSU’s administration said the chants violated university values and pledged education on religious diversity. “I think it’s a lot of education that needs to happen with some of the student-athletes, because our student sections … is where it’s coming from,” — Brett Yormark, commissioner
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake downplayed the incident, noting his team stayed focused and that the offending fans were a minority.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It runs counter to our community's values and to who we are. BYU's players, coaches and fans deserved better. We are addressing this with our students.” — Colorado State
- “I think it’s a lot of education that needs to happen with some of the student-athletes, because our student sections … is where it’s coming from,” — Brett Yormark, commissioner
What’s Next
- BYU’s next game is against TCU.
- Colorado State will travel to UTSA for its upcoming matchup.
Both programs will be under scrutiny to ensure respectful fan behavior moving forward.
