Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is a strong and consistent advocate for the "5+11" model for the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP). He has reiterated this stance, including at recent Big 12 Media Days, as discussions continue about expanding the playoff to 16 teams, which is anticipated by 2026.

The 5+11 model, for a 16-team playoff, would feature:

Five automatic qualifiers (AQs): These spots would be given to the champions of the five highest-ranked conferences. This typically means the champions from the "Power Four" conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC) and the highest-ranked champion from the "Group of Five" conferences.

Eleven at-large bids: The remaining 11 spots would be awarded to the next highest-ranked teams in the country, irrespective of their conference affiliation.

Yormark, often aligned with the ACC, champions this model for several reasons:

"Earn it on the field": He firmly believes in a merit-based system where teams earn their playoff spots through their performance, rather than through pre-determined conference allocations. Yormark argues that this approach protects the unique essence of college football and distinguishes it from a "professional model" like the NFL.

Fairness and equity: Yormark views the 5+11 model as a more equitable solution compared to other proposals, such as one favored by the SEC and Big Ten that would grant their conferences more guaranteed automatic bids (e.g., a 4-4-2-2 model). While he acknowledges that the 5+11 model might not always immediately benefit the Big 12, he sees it as the correct long-term strategy for the sport and his conference's growth.

Confidence in Big 12 competitiveness: Despite shifts in conference alignments, Yormark is confident in the Big 12's depth and believes its teams can consistently earn multiple at-large bids under a 5+11 system. He highlights the parity within the Big 12 and expects its top teams to compete for playoff berths. He has stated he "fully expect[s] the Big 12 to earn multiple College Football Playoff bids this year."

Modernizing the selection process: Yormark has noted that a "full audit" of the CFP selection process is underway to modernize how teams are chosen, incorporating new metrics and data. He trusts the selection committee to fairly evaluate teams under the 5+11 model.

In essence, Yormark's advocacy for the 5+11 model reflects his vision for a competitive, merit-driven college football landscape where the Big 12 can secure its place among the sport's elite by performing on the field.

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