Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark on CFP, Transfer Portal, Criticism from P4 Leaders

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark reiterated his thoughts about what’s going on around college sports and even responded to his critics while talking with the media on Friday.

As expected, Yormark, who was recently provided a contract extension, is very confident in the conference’s ability to stabilize itself in a constantly changing college sports climate.

“I am extremely bullish on the future of the Big 12. We will continue to be at the forefront and positively disrupt,” said Yormark.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark on his mindset about the future of the conference:

"I am extremely bullish on the future of the Big 12. We will continue to be at the forefront and positively disrupt."

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) May 30, 2025

Yormark also made it clear he prefers a 5+11 format for the College Football Playoff, calling it the most “fair” format for everyone in the country. He said he understands there are some who argue it wouldn’t be better for the Big 12, but Yormark feels the Power Four commissioners should be trying to help the sport as a whole, not just their own conference.

Sounding unfazed by criticism from leaders from other conferences, Yormark referenced his thick skin.

“We have thick skin here. The neat thing about our relationships as commissioners is that we’re going to battle.”

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yorkmark on his reaction to recent shots other commissioners and conference leaders have taken on him:

"We have thick skin here. The neat thing about our relationships as commissioners is that we're going to battle."

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) May 30, 2025

Yormark even borought up the coaches calling for just one transfer portal window in January instead of two, with one before bowl season and another in the spring.

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