BYU’s Parker Kingston accused of rape days after commitment announcement

BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston has been accused of rape, just days after announcing his commitment.

Utah prosecutors filed a charge of first-degree felony rape against Kingston, officials announced Wednesday, stemming from an alleged incident last year.

A woman who was 20 at the time told officers at a St. George hospital that Kingston assaulted her on Feb. 23, 2025, prosecutors said. Police gathered digital and forensic evidence and interviewed the parties involved and other witnesses, prosecutors said. An investigation has been ongoing since the report.

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Kingston, 21, is being held without bail in St. George, a city near the Arizona border, Washington County prosecutors said. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday and the sentence ranges from five years to life in prison.

The wide receiver appeared to make his commitment public during BYU’s recent men’s basketball game against Houston on Saturday. Kingston and his new fiancée appeared on the jumbotron, where she showed off her new engagement ring.

BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston catches a pass against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. (Reese Strickland/Image Images)

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BYU said in a statement that it takes any allegations very seriously and will cooperate with authorities. He said he could not comment further due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students.

BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston celebrates after a first down against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)

Kingston led the team with 67 receptions and 928 yards with five touchdowns last season. He also ran for 199 yards on 25 carries with a touchdown and returned 17 punts for 230 yards and a touchdown.