As Commissioner Brett Yormark officially aligns the Big 12 with the Big Ten’s push for a 24-team College Football Playoff by 2027, the structural shift provides an absolute lifeline for the conference and programs like BYU.
Guaranteed Depth of Access
In a 12-team model, the Big 12 is frequently perceived as a "one-bid league," where an unexpected slip-up in November can completely destroy a program's national title hopes. Expanding the field to 24 teams shatters that glass ceiling. It ensures that a grueling, cannibalistic Big 12 schedule won't penalize a three-loss team with an elite strength of schedule. Instead of fighting for a single automatic qualifier spot, the Big 12 could routinely secure three to four bids in an expanded bracket, offering the league the sustained national relevance and television inventory it needs to combat the SEC.
The BYU Advantage
For BYU, a 24-team playoff is the ultimate equalizer. The Cougars boast one of the most passionate, nationwide fan bases in the country and a brutal travel schedule that routinely tests their depth. Under the proposed 24-team structure—which could include the elimination of conference championship games—the path to the postseason becomes highly achievable for a consistent 9-3 or even 8-4 BYU squad.
Furthermore, the early rounds of a 24-team format would feature campus-site games. The prospect of hosting an opening-round playoff game in mid-December at LaVell Edwards Stadium is a multi-million-dollar windfall for the athletic department and a logistical nightmare for any opponent entering the altitude of Provo. By expanding the field, the CFP shifts from an exclusive invitational to an inclusive tournament where the Big 12's depth is rewarded rather than punished.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
