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In a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

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

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous 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 procedure,” the athletic director stated.

Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.

A Strong Reaction

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

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

This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Moves

The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term.

The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.