BYU Football Star Parker Kingston Arrested on First-Degree Rape Charge
BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston, 21, was arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree felony rape stemming from an alleged incident in February 2025, the Washington County Attorney’s Office announced. Kingston was BYU’s leading receiver during the 2025 season and was being held in jail without bail as of Wednesday afternoon, scheduled to appear in Utah’s 5th Judicial District Court on Friday.[1][2]
The Investigation
According to the Washington County Attorney’s Office, the investigation began after a 20-year-old woman reported sexual assault to staff at St. George Regional Hospital. She alleged that Kingston sexually assaulted her on February 23, 2025, in St. George, Utah. Detectives from the St. George Police Department gathered digital and forensic evidence and conducted interviews with those involved and other witnesses before forwarding the information to prosecutors for review.[1][2]
Parker Kingston’s Football Career
Kingston finished the 2025 season with team-high statistics, recording 66 receptions for 924 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the 12-2 BYU Cougars. He also contributed on special teams, returning 17 punts for 230 yards and one touchdown. Shortly after BYU’s bowl victory over Georgia Tech, Kingston announced on January 2 that he intended to return to BYU for his final collegiate season rather than enter the NFL Draft.[1][2]
BYU’s Response
In a statement released Wednesday, BYU Athletics said the university became aware of Kingston’s arrest that day. “The university takes any allegation very seriously, and will cooperate with law enforcement,” the statement read. “Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”[1]
The charges against the Parker Kingston BYU receiver come less than a year after BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff faced sex assault allegations in a civil lawsuit that was later dismissed. Retzlaff left the team after facing a seven-game suspension for honor code violations and subsequently transferred to Tulane.[1]
