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

During a public statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Dispute

Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.

“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.

Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that 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.”

The criticism is particularly striking 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 football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Future Rumors

The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.

The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.