It’s getting heated again over the College Football Playoff (CFP), and this time, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is not giving in. The conference’s power battle over the CFP format is where the real drama is. The Big 12 and ACC want a more open race, while the SEC and Big Ten want a method that makes sure they get more guaranteed bids.
The CFP Management Committee is now in a difficult position since it must decide which interests to prioritize. In the mix, recent comments from Big 12 Commissioner Yormark defended the 5+11 model, saying it was the safest option
Brett Yormark Says 5+11 CFP Format Reflects Fans’ True Desires
Following the discussion of the top-16 playoff format, the proposal of five automatic qualifiers and 11 at-large bids is gaining significant momentum. Let me explain it simply. Instead of giving the SEC and Big Ten four automatic spots each and the Big 12 and ACC two each, the 5+11 format gives five automatic bids to the top teams.
The remaining 11 spots are filled with at-large teams that earn their place based on performance.
This system doesn’t guarantee a big boost for the Big 12, but surprisingly, the commissioner, Brett Yormark, supports it. Recently, he stressed that the 5+11 format is about fairness. He believes teams should earn their spot on the field, not get it handed to them because of their conference.
During an interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Yormark said, “I like 16. More access is better for the Big 12 for sure. But I’m also about fairness, and there’s been a lot of conversations out there about AQs and from where I sit – and I know I speak for our coaches and ADs – we want to earn it on the field. And I’m adamant about that. I think a 5+11 format does that.”
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark on a 5+11 CFP format: “We want to earn it on the field. It’s fair. It’s what our fans want. They don’t want an invitational.” https://t.co/7jKEXNs2qH
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 29, 2025
For him, it’s all about keeping the game fair and competitive. He also mentioned how last season’s 12-team playoff brought excitement and drama, just as fans had hoped.
Expanding to 16 teams, in his view, would only boost that energy. “But I think we need to take these multiple AQs out of the conversation, and I think 5+11 does that. And that’s our preference.”
Meanwhile, the SEC and Big Ten are still pushing hard for more automatic qualifiers. Their commissioner, Tony Petitti, hasn’t held back either. Right now, everyone is making their case loud and clear. The CFP committee is stuck in the middle, trying to balance all sides.
KEEP READING: College Football Playoff Predictions: Projecting the 12-Team Bracket After Seeding Changes for 2025-2026
The playoff system will definitely be modified, so we will have to wait a little longer to find out what it is. Until then, the tug-of-war continues—and it’s only getting more intense.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
