SPORTS

Colorado State apologizes to BYU for derogatory chants as 11th-ranked Cougars beat Rams 41-23

PUBLISHED Sep 20, 2026, 1:47 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 28

Left 4%

Center 89%

Right 7%

Sources: 28

Nineteenth-ranked BYU defeated Colorado State 41-23 on Saturday in Fort Collins, maintaining an undefeated 3-0 start to the college football season. Running back LJ Martin led the Cougars with 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns, securing a dominant offensive performance despite a weather delay. During the game, Colorado State issued an official public apology addressing derogatory and faith-based chants directed at BYU players, coaches, and fans from the student section. University administration condemned the behavior as contrary to institutional values, stating that appropriate actions are being taken with students involved. Similar offensive fan behavior has surfaced at other opposing stadiums during recent matchups against BYU, drawing increased scrutiny across collegiate athletics regarding religious intolerance and sportsmanship. Conference officials and university leaders continue facing mounting pressure to enforce stricter stadium accountability measures and protect visiting team supporters from targeted harassment during athletic competitions nationwide.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On November 13, 2024 (11:00 AM MST), BYU women basketball secured a fourteen point victory against Colorado State.
On September 30, 2025 (10:00 AM MST), Big 12 fined Colorado fifty thousand dollars for fan chants.
On September 3, 2026 (7:00 PM CST), Colorado achieved a gritty comeback victory against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
On September 12, 2026 (4:00 PM MST), Colorado State secured a blowout victory against Southern Utah at home.
On September 18, 2026 (11:08 AM MST), Preview coverage highlighted BYU returning to Fort Collins for matchup.
On September 19, 2026 (4:30 PM MST), Kickoff at Canvas Stadium began following a brief weather delay.
On September 19, 2026 (6:15 PM MST), LJ Martin rushed for three touchdowns dominating the first half action.
On September 19, 2026 (9:18 PM MST), Colorado State published an apology statement addressing student section chants.
On September 19, 2026 (9:45 PM MST), Northwestern defeated Colorado in a separate lopsided football contest elsewhere.
On September 20, 2026 (5:15 AM PKT), Final game statistics confirmed BYU defeating Colorado State 41-23.
Expectations indicate athletic conferences will evaluate additional spectator code enforcement policies moving forward.
Expectations suggest universities will increase security monitoring to prevent religious taunts during games.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Colorado State apologized promptly for student derogatory religious fan chants.
Possible long-term US impact: Universities face mounting pressure to curb stadium religious bigotry nationwide.
Most affected groups: College football fans, student athletes, administrators, and athletic conference officials.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official university statements and verified sports journalism.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 28
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 25

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes institutional accountability and systemic cultural problems within college sports. Center: Reports score details and official university apologies with neutral tone. Right: Focuses primarily on game performance while minimizing broader social commentary.