Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has voiced strong criticism regarding the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, arguing that his conference’s champion is more deserving of a first-round bye than any Group of Five champion.
Yormark’s comments come amidst the backdrop of the upcoming Big 12 championship game between Arizona State and Iowa State, both of which are currently positioned outside the top 12 in the CFP rankings. In contrast, three SEC teams with three losses each, including Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, are ranked higher, with the Sun Devils at 15th and the Cyclones at 16th.
The commissioner criticized the selection committee’s apparent preference for ‘logos versus résumés,’ suggesting a bias towards historically prestigious teams rather than current performance metrics. This preference, according to Yormark, does not accurately reflect the strength of the Big 12, which holds a significant number of victories against Power 4 opponents—74% to be exact—versus the much less impressive record of the Group of 5.
Boise State, representing the Mountain West Conference, is currently ranked above the Big 12 entries, despite having played only one Power 4 opponent this season. Yormark highlighted that the Broncos’ favorable ranking raises questions about the importance ascribed to a team’s strength of schedule and victories over top-tier opponents.
Yormark emphasized that the strength of schedule should be a deciding factor in CFP rankings, pointing out the clear advantage the Big 12 holds in this metric compared to the Group of 5, which has an 11-80 record. He contended that under no circumstances should a Group of Five champion outrank the Big 12 champion, a point he reiterated to stress its importance.
Moreover, he addressed the current competitive landscape, noting a four-way tie in the Big 12 standings that was resolved through multiple tiebreakers, leading to Arizona State and Iowa State advancing while knocking BYU and Colorado out of contention. Despite his criticisms, Yormark expressed hope for adjustments in the final CFP rankings, trusting that the selection committee would ultimately make the right decision.
The Big 12 commissioner’s plea reflects broader tensions within college football playoff discussions, where debates over ranking criteria remain contentious. Yormark stands firm on his belief that the 12-team playoff has delivered excitement and engagement among fans, emphasizing that the on-field performance and rigorous schedules should dictate playoff seeding rather than perceived prestige.
Brett Yormark’s outspoken stance on the CFP rankings underscores a significant debate in college football: the balance between historical prestige and current performance. As the committee prepares to finalize the rankings, the emphasis on strength of schedule and fair competition will remain pivotal in shaping the playoff picture.
Source: ESPN
