UCF Avoids Big 12 Fine After No. 2 BYU Upset as Safety Plan Covers Field Storm

Q: What was in UCF’s pregame safety plan that turned a chaotic field storm into a no-penalty case for the Big 12?

UCF’s no-penalty outcome hinged on a documented pregame safety plan centered on protecting visiting personnel and clearing the field in an orderly way. According to athletic director Terry Mohajir, UCF gave the Big 12 detailed written documentation showing it had prepared in advance for the possibility of a field storm. The plan included coordinated escorts for BYU players, coaches and game officials, along with stadium staff and security positioned to manage the crowd and create a safe exit route off the field. That mattered because the Big 12 handles field-storming incidents case by case. The key question is not simply whether fans rushed the field, but whether the home school had adequate procedures in place and executed them effectively so the visiting team and officials were protected. In UCF’s case, the conference determined those preparations were sufficient. Mohajir said the school’s staff had planned, prepared and executed the postgame response properly, and reporting around the incident indicated security personnel helped guide BYU members and officials through the crowd as fans flooded the turf. So, the substance of the plan was practical rather than symbolic: anticipate a possible storm, document the response in advance, assign escorts, deploy security and event staff for crowd control, and ensure the visiting sideline and officiating crew could leave safely. That is what turned a chaotic celebration into a no-fine case for the Big 12.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 28

UCF escaped a Big 12 penalty after fans stormed the field following Saturday’s overtime upset of No. 2 BYU, with the conference accepting the school’s pregame safety preparations.
Athletic director Terry Mohajir said UCF had submitted thorough documentation, including coordinated escorts for visiting players, coaches and officials, and credited staff execution during the postgame rush.
The decision means the Knights turned one of the biggest wins in program history into a second victory off the field, avoiding the financial hit that often follows court-storming or field-storming incidents.
The episode underscores that in the Big 12, schools can avoid fines for celebratory field storms if they show they planned in advance to protect participants and manage crowd access.