During the opening of Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark made a strong case for the conference's preferred model for the future College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion. Speaking at the Ford Center at The Star, the training facility for the Dallas Cowboys, Yormark emphasized the conference's support for the “5 + 11” playoff structure. This proposed model would allocate automatic bids to the five highest-ranked conference champions, mirroring the current 12-team CFP setup, while the remaining 11 spots would go to the next 11 highest-ranked teams.
The “5 + 11” model gained momentum after coaches from the SEC expressed their support during the conference's spring meetings. In contrast, the Big Ten has been advocating for a different structure that would grant four automatic bids to both the SEC and Big Ten conferences, with two automatic bids each for the Big 12 and ACC, and one for the highest-ranked Group of Five team. Although the Big 12's proposal would not secure as many automatic bids, Yormark firmly stated, “we want to earn it on the field.”
Yormark expressed confidence in the Big 12's ability to secure multiple College Football Playoff bids this upcoming season, asserting that the conference can compete with any team in the nation. He reiterated the importance of the “5 + 11” model, stating, “We continue to believe the 5-11 model proposed by the Big 12 and the ACC is the right playoff format for college football. We want to earn it on the field.”
As college football increasingly resembles the NFL, especially with the new regulations allowing schools to directly compensate players starting July 1, Yormark cautioned against adopting a more professional approach. He insisted, “We do not need a professional model because we are not the NFL. We are college football and we must act like it.” Yormark emphasized the uniqueness of college football and the importance of protecting its core values for fans and the sport itself.
In the inaugural year of the expanded 12-team playoff, the Big 12 had only one representative: Arizona State, the conference champion. Addressing concerns about the CFP committee's perceived lack of respect for the Big 12 in its final rankings, Yormark acknowledged that while the “5 + 11” format “might not be the best solution today for the Big 12,” he believes it is the right long-term strategy. He is optimistic about the conference's progress, bolstered by recent investments.
Yormark also noted that the CFP is conducting a comprehensive audit of its selection process, aiming to modernize and enhance its decision-making. “I think as you look at how things are weighted at different metrics, strength of schedule matters,” he explained, pointing out that new metrics will complement existing ones in determining playoff qualifications. He remains confident that the “5 + 11” model will ultimately prevail.
In addition to discussing the CFP model, Yormark addressed several other significant topics during the press conference:
College Sports Commission (CSC): Yormark highlighted the CSC's mission to shift the market from a pay-for-play model to a genuine third-party NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) marketplace, emphasizing the need for collaboration among Power Four colleagues and congressional support. Emerging Brands in the Big 12: He acknowledged the critical importance of one or two schools emerging as consistent playoff contenders, asserting that while parity is essential, certain schools must rise to the top for the conference to thrive. Big 12’s Position Among Power Conferences: Yormark expressed optimism about the Big 12's standing within the Power Four and is focused on enhancing governance and decision-making autonomy. Preseason Poll Changes: He explained the decision to eliminate the conference's annual preseason poll, citing its potential to disadvantage teams like Arizona State.In conclusion, Brett Yormark’s statements reflect a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of college football while advocating for a playoff model that rewards performance on the field. With the Big 12 aiming for greater competitiveness and recognition, Yormark's vision could significantly shape the future of college athletics.
