Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

In a notable criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Tension

The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.

The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Response

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“I think his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Future Moves

The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.

“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.