Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

In a notable rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Tension

The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.

“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.

The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“In my view his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Moves

Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.

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