Big 12 Commissioner Says Big Ten, SEC Have 'Great Responsibility' Amid CFP Talks

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark discussed the influence that the Big Ten and SEC have in conversations surrounding a change to the College Football Playoff format.

"Yes, the Big Ten, the SEC are leading the discussions, but with leading those discussions, they have a great responsibility that goes with it, to do what's right for college football and not to do anything that just benefits two conferences," Yormark said Friday, per ESPN's Andrea Adelson.

"I have a lot of faith in the process, and I think we'll land in the right place," he added.

ESPN's Heather Dinich reported Thursday that momentum is "gaining traction" for an expanded 16-team playoff model that would feature automatic qualifiers for the top five conference champions and 11 at-large bids.

An additional model that's been presented includes four teams automatically qualifying from both the Big Ten and SEC, two each from the ACC and Big 12, as well as one for the top Group of 5 team (via Adelson).

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger previously reported that the "4-4-2-2-1-3" CFP format had support from the Big Ten as well as SEC administrators, but public disapproval from SEC coaches may have changed the conference's overall view of the proposal.

While the Big 12 would also benefit from the format, Yormark didn't support it.

"In talking to our ADs and coaches, we want to earn it on the field," Yormark said, per Adelson. "The 5-11 might not be ideal for the conference, but it's good for college football, and it's what's fair. We don't want any gimmes. We want to earn it on the field. I feel very comfortable with that, and I feel the same way, and I've been very outspoken about it."

CFP leaders will have until Dec. 2025 to reach an agreement regarding the future format.