Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

During a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Dispute

Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous 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,” the athletic director remarked.

The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.

An Egregious Reaction

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

This public response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Moves

Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.

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

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.