Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
