BYU’s Parker Kingston charged with rape days after engagement announcement

BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston has been charged with rape, just days after announcing his engagement.

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

A woman who was 20 years old at the time told officers at a St. George hospital that had 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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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston catches a pass against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium.  (Reese Strickland/Imagn Images)

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

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

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

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BYU said in a statement that it takes any allegation very seriously and will cooperate with law enforcement. It said it would not be able to 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)

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Kingston had a team-leading 67 receptions and 928 yards with five touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 199 yards on 25 carries with a score, and returned 17 punts for 230 yards and a TD.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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