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

At a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Dispute

Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.

“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director said.

The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.

A Strong Reaction

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

“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Future Rumors

Yormark also remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.

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

Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.

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