Big 12’s Yormark Urges 16-Team Playoff Expansion Before Deadline

UPDATE: Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has just announced a push for expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) from 12 teams to 16 teams, marking a pivotal moment in college football history. Speaking at the Orange Bowl on January 1, 2024, Yormark emphasized the urgency of the discussion as conference commissioners prepare to meet multiple times ahead of the January 23 deadline.

Yormark expressed his enthusiasm for the playoff expansion, stating, “We’ll see what we can do — or not — for next year.” He underscored that the proposal includes five automatic bids for conference champions, a significant shift in the current playoff structure.

The commissioner highlighted the success of the current first-round playoff games held at higher seeds’ home stadiums, which received rave reviews for their vibrant atmospheres. “The first round games have been fantastic in every respect,” he said. “The commissioners are going to have to think through, ‘Can we do this beyond the first round?’”

As college football navigates a rapidly evolving landscape, Yormark believes any changes made should provide stability moving forward. “Hopefully we can come together and, whatever that change may look like, we can get there sooner or later,” he noted. “If we stay at 12, I’m happy with that, too.”

In addition to the playoff format, Yormark addressed the need for a revised football calendar. The current schedule compresses key events, including the early national signing period, the start of the playoffs, and the opening of the transfer portal, all within a tight timeframe. “It’s a little clunky for sure,” Yormark acknowledged, highlighting the challenges coaches face during this chaotic period.

Coaches, including Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, have voiced the need for change, suggesting that a champion should be crowned by January 1 and bowl games should be moved to the beginning of the season. Yormark is committed to exploring these ideas further, stating, “How do we work together to figure out the calendar?”

On another critical front, Yormark discussed the ongoing efforts to establish a participation agreement with the newly formed College Sports Commission (CSC). This agreement, which would allow schools to spend up to $20.5 million in direct payments to athletes, has faced scrutiny from various state attorneys general. However, Yormark remains optimistic about reaching a consensus. “I’m very confident that will happen,” he asserted.

As college football grapples with these significant changes, the implications for teams, players, and fans are profound. The potential expansion of the playoff format could dramatically alter the competitive landscape, while a revised calendar could alleviate pressure on coaches and players alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as Yormark and other conference leaders continue to negotiate these critical issues in college football.