Big 12 communications executive responds to Greg Sankey: 'There was no press release'

On Monday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey alluded to recent “coordinating press releases” from the Big 12 and ACC in response to recent meetings and proposals regarding the College Football Playoff. However, there was never a statement released to begin with.

“There was no press release from the Big 12 — let alone a coordinated one with the ACC — regarding straight seeding,” Clark Williams, the VP of Communications & Strategy for the Big 12 Conference, wrote on X responding to Sankey’s quote.

Williams’ response follows Sankey speaking at a press conference ahead of the annual SEC spring meetings. The SEC commissioner spoke at length about the College Football Playoff, including a proposed format that would expand the playoff field to 16 and give the SEC and Big Ten an uneven amount of automatic qualifiers.

This specific proposal would set the automatic qualifier field at four SEC teams, four Big Ten teams, two Big 12 teams, two ACC teams, one Group of Six team, and three automatic bids. Of course, the Big 12 and ACC want that evened out.

“I don’t need lectures from others about the good of the game … or coordinating press releases about the good of the game,” Sankey said on Monday. “You can issue your press statement, but I’m actually looking for ideas to move us forward.”

While no specific press release was issued, joint or individual, regarding the potential College Football Playoffs, several leaders from within each conference have been vocal since the expansion was proposed. NC State football coach Dave Doeran saying that the ACC deserves three AQs minimum.

ACC leaders such as Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham and SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee have all been outspoken on their perspective of what they feel is a lopsided proposal. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips also commented on the situation. However, Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark has not shared his thoughts as of this report.

“I remain steadfast about fairness in the system and access,” Phillips said, via Yahoo Sports. “Out of respect from my colleagues, I want to hold off on commenting about AQs and specific models.”

With the future of the College Football Playoff uncertain, on thing is clear — the ACC and Big 12 want a larger slice of the CFP pie. Whether their requests will be met remain to be seen, but no statement has been made from the either conference.