Brett Yormark reinforces Big 12’s preferred CFP model, says it protects uniqueness of college football
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Brett Yormark has maintained that one seeding process is best for the future of the College Football Playoff, and the commissioner of the Big 12 doubled down on that belief.
On Tuesday, Yormark spoke at the Big 12 Media Days and was clear that he believes the 5+11 seeding model proposed by the SEC and others is the best for the future of the sport. In that model, it would award automatic bids to the 5 highest-ranked conference champions and then 11 at-large seeds to the next highest-ranked teams.
The formula differs greatly from the Big Ten’s preferred plan, which is described as 4+4+2+2+1+3. In that model, the Big Ten and SEC would receive 4 automatic bids while the ACC and Big 12 would receive 2. An automatic bid would be reserved for the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion, with 3 at-large bids up for grabs.
Yormark doubled down on the 5+11 model, emphatically stating that “We do not need a professional model, because we are not the NFL.” He also said decision-makers need to begin acting like this is true college football to protect what makes the sport special.
Later, Yormark also said he expects that ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips will follow the Big 12’s lead. If that happens, it would put a trio of prominent conferences in a somewhat united front for the 5+11 model. We’ll see if that eventually comes to fruition.
As we get set for the 2025 season, don’t miss the latest 2025 national championship odds with Ohio State looking to defend its title this fall. Fans can find all the latest in the top betting apps available in their area.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
