Sun Dec 14 00:30:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Big 12 Commissioner Slams Notre Dame AD’s Criticism of ACC After Playoff Snub

New York, NY – Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has publicly criticized Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua for his recent attacks on the ACC, calling his behavior “egregious.” Yormark’s comments came Tuesday at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum, following Bevacqua’s accusations that the ACC favored Miami over Notre Dame for a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot after the Hurricanes edged out the Fighting Irish, despite having a head-to-head victory.

Bevacqua has been vocal in his criticism of the ACC in multiple media appearances, alleging a targeted social media campaign against Notre Dame. He also expressed displeasure after Notre Dame was left out of the College Football Playoff. The ACC, which houses all Notre Dame varsity sports except football and men’s hockey, stood by their support for all member schools through Commissioner Jim Phillips.

Yormark argued that Bevacqua’s outrage is misplaced, reminding everyone that the ACC provided Notre Dame with a lifeline in 2020 by allowing them to play a 10-game conference schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notre Dame went 9-0 in the ACC that season.

“I don’t like how Notre Dame has responded,” said Yormark. “The ACC saved it in 2020 when the Irish played a 10-game ACC schedule during COVID.”

Yormark also pointed out that the CFP selection committee was transparent about their criteria and that head-to-head matchups played a decisive role in the final selections, as seen with his own Big 12 team, BYU, who was left out despite an 11-2 record.

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