Kalani Sitake did not hold a grudge against Colorado State after the students disrespected BYU with an anti-Mormon chant. Not only did he take the high road, he actually gave the Rams credit for an incredible home atmosphere.
One of the classiest coaches in sports continues to lead with kindness, grace and forgiveness.
Unfortunately, this continues to happen during college football games. Sitake does not hold it against the entire fanbase.
Colorado State students showed disrespect toward BYU with an anti-Mormon chant.
More than 98% of the student body at Brigham Young University identifies as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Cougars are synonymous with the Mormonism by nature of its religious affiliation. That will always be the case. The university does not shy away from its identity.
However, opposing fanbases often go too far with how they address BYU players, coaches and fans during sporting events. They often chant “F— The Mormons ! *clap clap, clapclapclap*” during games. It happened at Cincinnati, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Oregon and even the predominantly-Catholic Providence College, among others. Last season, Colorado was issued a $50,000 fine for the use expletives and religious slurs.
On Saturday, it was Colorado State. The student section (and some others) aimed the derogatory chant at the Cougars during warmups.
F the Mormons Chant at the BYU vs. CSU game! #gocougars #byufootball #byu #lockedonbig12 @drakectollshow pic.twitter.com/55MQ4H2Aj4
— Elder Wright (@ElderRobWright) September 20, 2026
They later transitioned to “F— BYU” during regulation.
To use BYU in the chant is not a problem— it only becomes an issue when the chant targets the university’s affiliated religion. Colorado State released the following statement:
“Colorado State University apologizes to BYU, its student-athletes and fans, and to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the chant directed at them during Saturday’s game. Mocking anyone’s faith has no place at CSU. It runs counter to our community’’ values and to who we are. BYU’’ players, coaches and fans deserved better. We are addressing this with our students.”
It is unclear as to whether further action will be taken. The Mountain West has not addressed the incident.
Kalani Sitake took the high road.
BYU ultimately defeated Colorado State by a final score of 41-23. Kalani Sitake was asked about the explicit in-game chant during his postgame press conference.
Sitake, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, could’ve condemned the Rams for their behavior. He could’ve stood on his soap box and cried victim. That was not the case. It was admirable.
The legendary head coach did not blame the entire fanbase for the behavior of few. He had nothing but great things to say about the opponent, the environment, and how the Cougars were treated while in Fort Collins.
Here’s Kalani Sitake talking about the “F the Mormons” chants that were heard tonight. #BYUfootball #BYU pic.twitter.com/UUCQwNPBPa
— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Fortis Valore et Armis (@JakeHatch) September 20, 2026
Win, lose or otherwise, Kalani Sitake continues to be the epitome of class. He is widely beloved by everyone with whom he comes in contact and deservedly so.