UPDATE: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has just announced his strong support for an urgent expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) from 12 to 16 teams. Speaking from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, just before the Orange Bowl kickoff, Yormark emphasized the need for change in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
Yormark, wearing a red tie to support Texas Tech, stated, “We’ll see what we can do — or not — for next year.” He confirmed that he and other power conference commissioners will convene multiple times before the crucial January 23, 2024, deadline to finalize expansion plans.
The proposed model would guarantee five automatic bids for conference champions and potentially include additional on-campus playoff games. “Everything is on the table,” Yormark affirmed, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the current format’s initial round games held at home stadiums.
“The first round games have been fantastic in every respect… We need to think through, ‘Can we do this beyond the first round?’” – Brett Yormark
Yormark’s remarks come on the heels of calls for re-evaluating the college football calendar. The current schedule compresses key events like the early national signing period and the opening of the transfer portal into a chaotic month-and-a-half. This congestion has sparked concerns among coaches, including Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, who advocates for a more streamlined approach.
“How do we work together to figure out the calendar?” Yormark questioned, acknowledging the need for modifications. McGuire proposed that every team should play in Week 0, with a champion crowned by January 1.
In addition to playoff discussions, Yormark addressed the College Sports Commission’s participation agreement, expected to be finalized soon. This agreement would allow universities to allocate up to $20.5 million in direct payments to athletes while also addressing concerns raised by attorneys general, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“I’m confident that, once we make the necessary adjustments, everyone will sign it,” Yormark stated, projecting optimism for a swift resolution.
As the landscape of college football continues to shift, Yormark’s proactive stance could significantly impact the future of the sport. With key meetings on the horizon, fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how these developments unfold in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Big 12 seeks to solidify its position in an increasingly competitive environment.
