Big 12 commissioner doubles down on preference for 5-11 playoff model if CFP expands
College football fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the potential expansion of the College Football Playoff from 12 to 16 teams. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has made it clear that he believes in a fair and equitable system, advocating for a 5-11 format that would see only five automatic qualifiers, rather than multiple bids for each of the four power conferences.
Yormark emphasized the importance of doing what is best for college football as a whole, rather than catering to specific conferences. He believes that earning a spot in the playoff should be based on on-field performance, and that the current format, while he loves it, could be expanded in a way that gives every team a chance.
While the SEC and Big Ten will have more influence on the playoff format in the future, Yormark is confident that the 5-11 format is the right choice for now and for the long term. He noted that ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips shares this sentiment and is expected to voice his support during his league’s upcoming media days.
In the current 12-team format, the five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed playoff spots, but the top four no longer receive automatic byes. Potential 16-team formats could see four automatic qualifiers from the SEC and Big Ten, and two each from the Big 12 and ACC.
Yormark stressed the importance of maintaining the amateur nature of college football and avoiding a professional model like the NFL. He believes that the NCAA House settlement and the newly established College Sports Commission will level the playing field and ensure fairness for all conferences.
The Big 12 has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF to the conference. Despite losing traditional powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, the Big 12 has expanded to 16 teams with the inclusion of Pac-12 schools.
Yormark is optimistic about the future of the Big 12, emphasizing the importance of parity and competitiveness throughout the conference. He believes that with a level playing field, the conference will produce elite schools that consistently compete at the highest levels of college football.
In conclusion, Yormark’s vision for the future of college football focuses on fairness, competitiveness, and the preservation of the amateur ethos of the sport. As discussions around playoff expansion continue, it will be interesting to see how his ideas shape the future landscape of college football.
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