In a time where college football looks more like the NFL than ever, with schools able to directly pay players starting on July 1, Yormark pushed back on the “professionalization” of the sport that could come with the Big Ten’s 4-4-2-2-1’s playoff model.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark’s support for an expanded College Football Playoff with 11 at-large berths appears to be unwavering. Yormark said in his opening remarks at Big 12 media days on Tuesday that he was “doubling down” on the idea of a 16-team playoff with just five guaranteed bids.