Brett Yormark doubles down on 5+11 CFP format, pushes back against need for 'professional model'

Amid discussions about changes to the College Football Playoff format, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark doubled down on his support for the 5-plus-11 model. In the process, he said college football doesn’t need a “professional model” for the CFP.

Yormark was vocal at the Big 12’s spring meetings about the need to move away from a 4-4-2-2-1 College Football Playoff format, which was floated by the SEC and Big Ten. That bracket would include four automatic qualifiers each for the SEC and Big Ten, as well as two apiece for the Big 12 and ACC, and one for the Group of 5.

Under the 5-plus-11 format, the five highest-ranked conference champions would make the cut along with 11 at-large teams. That model, Yormark said, is better for college football – which is “not like the NFL.”

“We continue to believe the 5-plus-11 model proposed by the Big 12 and the ACC is the right playoff format for college football,” Yormark said in his opening statement at Big 12 Media Days. “We want to earn it on the field.

“We do not need a professional model because we are not the NFL. We are college football, and we must act like it. There is nothing in sports like college football, and we must protect what makes it special and do what’s right for the fans and the game.”

Yormark also pointed out the recent CFP meetings, which took place in Asheville last month. He confirmed executive director Rich Clark is exploring ways to “modernize and contemporize” the selection process. Yormark also further expressed support for new committee chairman Mack Rhoades, who serves as Baylor’s athletics director.

That said, as he looks at the big picture and the future of the Big 12, Brett Yormark is bullish on what the league can do as it continues building. He also expects other commissioners to get on board with the 5-plus-11 model as the media days circuit heats up.

“I have a lot of faith in Mack Rhoades and the work that he’s doing with the selection committee,” Yormark said. “I have a lot of faith in what they’re doing. And 5-11 is fair. We want to earn it on the field. It might not be the best solution today for the Big 12 … but long-term, knowing the progress we’re making [and] the investments we’re making, it’s the right format for us.

“And I’m doubling down today on 5-11. And I know Jim Phillips will, and I’m sure some of the other conference commissioners will, as well.”