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In a strong statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Controversy

Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.

“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.

The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.

An Egregious Response

Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“In my view his actions has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Future Moves

The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.

The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.