Brett Yormark Reasserts Big 12’s Stance: ‘Fans Don’t Want an Invitational’

Yormark’s comments come amid ongoing meetings where Power Four conference commissioners are debating how to structure the 2026 CFP. The 5+11 format—which includes five automatic bids for power conference champions and 11 at-large spots—has the support of the Big 12, ACC, Notre Dame, and Group of Five leagues. But the SEC and Big Ten have pushed a more exclusive model that would grant them four AQs each, leaving just five spots for everyone else.

Yormark didn’t name names, but his stance was a direct shot at proposals that prioritize consolidation over competition. “We need to put these multiple AQs [talk] out of the conversation and focus on what’s right with college football,” he said.

The message from the Big 12 is clear: Playoff access should be earned, not gifted. And if college football wants to maintain any pretense of competitive equity, the time to draw that line is now