Yardbarker
x
BYU HC calls for fair process in CFP rankings after Big 12 title loss
Brigham Young Cougars football head coach Kalani Sitake. Rob Gray-Imagn Images

BYU HC calls for fair process in CFP rankings after Big 12 title loss

By Conor Killmurray  |  Last updated Dec 7, 2025 9:31 AM ET

With the advent of the College Football Playoff, there's a new tradition to look forward to after the conference championship games — the losing head coach's plea to the CFP committee to still include their team.

For the No. 11 Brigham Young Cougars (11-2), their 34-7 loss in the Big 12 Championship Game to the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) could knock them out of the 12-team tournament, and head coach Kalani Sitake knows that. While it must be frustrating to have both losses come at the hands of the same team, Sitake saw the opportunity he had to spin the lopsided defeat. 

Kalani Sitake makes case for BYU to remain in top 12 of CFP rankings

When asked about the loss and about looking ahead to the CFP selection committee's decision, Sitake argued that BYU had just lost to the best team in the country. While the Red Raiders likely will remain the No. 4-ranked team in the country, Sitake said the rest of the field will catch up to what he already knows.

"If you look at what Texas Tech has done, they're the best team in the country for a reason. Their loss came when they didn't have their starting quarterback, and so, that's diffcult, and [the game was] on the road," Sitake explained in a postgame news conference. "I'm not on the playoff committee, but I can tell you one thing: who's played the best team in the country twice? We have."

Sitake's team lost to Texas Tech in the regular season, 29-7, and couldn't narrow the gap in the Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday. The Cougars didn't do themselves any favors by losing the turnover battle, with four fumbles (two lost) and two interceptions. The Red Raiders had just one fumble, which they recovered. BYU also only mustered 200 yards of total offense, compared with Texas Tech's 374 yards of offense.

The lopsided result will certainly play into the CFP committee's consideration. While BYU has been worthy of its top 12 ranking heading into Saturday's game, it isn't good enough to compete with a top-four team. Further, the Big 12 getting two teams in the postseason is a long shot, with the Big Ten and SEC teams already locking up several spots themselves. 

Still, Sitake, who was considered to fill Penn State's head-coaching vacancy before recommitting to BYU, is hoping for at least a fair shot. At the very least, Sitake would like to be considered in the graphics the broadcast uses to compare playoff hopefuls on the bubble. All ESPN seems to have eyes for is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Miami Hurricanes and Alabama Crimson Tide.

"I don't know what the other rankings are, but this team is really good. You go play the number one team in the country twice, one in Lubbock, Texas, and then one in a neutral site, which is still in the state," Sitake explained. "I think we have a great resume. I just know when they're doing comparisons, hopefully they put it out there and make it fair. At least put us in the graphic, that'd be nice."

Conor Killmurray

Conor Killmurray is a long-suffering fan of New York sports, particularly the Giants and Mets—a potent combination for heartbreak, if you ask him. He graduated from West Chester University with a degree in English and enjoys searching for the most interesting sports stories to write about.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.