Big 12 Chief Brett Yormark Discusses Changes to CFP Format, Football Calendar
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark recently shared insights on crucial developments in college football, emphasizing playoff expansions and the redesigned football calendar. His statements came ahead of the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Brett Yormark on Playoff Expansion
Yormark has expressed strong support for expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) format from 12 to 16 teams. He noted ongoing discussions among power conference commissioners, with multiple meetings planned before the January 23 deadline.
- Support for increasing playoff teams to 16
- Five automatic bids for conference champions proposed
- Possibility of additional on-campus playoff games
Yormark remarked, “We’ll see what we can do for next year,” indicating a proactive approach to exploring various options. He praised the atmosphere of first-round playoff games, highlighting them as a key differentiator in the current setup.
Revamping the College Football Calendar
Another significant topic addressed by Yormark was the complex college football calendar. The current timeline includes the early national signing period, the beginning of playoffs, and the transfer portal opening, all within a short span.
Many coaches, including Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, have voiced the need for a more streamlined schedule. Proposed changes include:
- Starting each team’s season with Week 0 games
- Crowning champions by January 1
- Relocating bowl games to the early season
Yormark acknowledged the difficulties and stated, “It’s a little clunky for sure,” signaling a commitment to reforming the current calendar system.
Enrollment Agreement and Compliance Issues
On the business side, Yormark outlined expectations for a participation agreement between the College Sports Commission (CSC) and universities. This agreement, connected to the recent name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, allows schools to provide direct payments to athletes.
- The full agreement to begin only after all power conference schools sign it
- Concerns from state attorneys general regarding unlimited authority
Yormark remains optimistic, believing that adjustments will lead to a solid agreement that universities will support. He stated, “I’m confident that once we make the necessary adjustments, we will have cooperation from everyone.”
As the landscape of college football evolves, Yormark’s insights reflect ongoing efforts to enhance the sport’s structure and operational efficiency.
