Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

During a public rebuke, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Tension

Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.

“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.

Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.

An Egregious Reaction

Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“I think his actions has been out of line,” 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 serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Future Moves

The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.

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

Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.

The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.