UPDATE: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has just announced his strong support for expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) format from 12 to 16 teams, igniting discussions that could reshape the future of college football. Speaking just before the Orange Bowl kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Yormark emphasized the urgent need for change in the playoff structure.
Yormark stated that discussions among power conference commissioners are set to ramp up ahead of the January 23, 2024 deadline for potential agreements. “We’ll see what we can do — or not — for next year,” he said, highlighting the collaborative effort needed among conferences.
In a bold move, Yormark proposed a model that would include five automatic bids for conference champions, further solidifying the Big 12’s position in an evolving sports landscape. “Everything is on the table,” Yormark declared, as he reflected on the success of the first-round playoff games held at higher seeds’ home stadiums. “The first round games have been fantastic in every respect,” he noted, pointing out their positive reception.
Amidst these discussions, Yormark is also addressing the chaotic college football calendar, which compresses critical events like the early national signing period and the opening of the transfer portal into a tight window. “It’s a little clunky for sure,” he acknowledged, indicating that modifications are essential. Coaches across the nation, including Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire, have voiced concerns, advocating for a more streamlined schedule that could include a champion being crowned by January 1.
“How do we work together to figure out the calendar?” Yormark asked, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders.
Yormark also expressed confidence in the upcoming participation agreement between the College Sports Commission (CSC) and universities, which will allow for direct payments up to $20.5 million to athletes. This enforcement agency was established to tackle issues surrounding name, image, and likeness regulations, and Yormark affirmed that all power conference schools are expected to sign the agreement soon despite some concerns raised by state attorneys general.
With the college football landscape rapidly changing, Yormark’s proposals could significantly impact the sport’s future. As discussions continue, fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how these potential changes unfold. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
