Brett Yormark: Expansion Big 12 Will OVERTAKE Big 10, SEC, Become No. 1 Realignment Era Conference

For the Big 12 to overtake the SEC, it must strategically enhance its competitive, financial, and branding aspects. Here are key areas where the Big 12 can focus its efforts to challenge the SEC's dominance.

Enhanced Competitive Balance
The Big 12 needs to cultivate a highly competitive football environment across all its member schools. Investing in top-tier coaching talent and player development programs is crucial. The conference should encourage schools to upgrade their facilities and infrastructure to attract elite recruits. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation in offensive and defensive schemes can give Big 12 teams a tactical edge on the field. Ensuring that multiple teams are consistently ranked in the top 25 can elevate the conference's national perception and competitive stature.

Strategic Expansion
Expanding the Big 12’s membership with strategically chosen schools can enhance its marketability and competitive depth. Targeting schools with strong athletic programs and large fan bases, such as those in key television markets, can broaden the conference’s reach and increase viewership. Expansion should also focus on geographically diverse areas to tap into new recruiting regions and fan demographics. By adding schools with a strong brand presence and competitive teams, the Big 12 can bolster its overall profile.

Financial Growth and Media Rights
Securing lucrative media rights deals is essential for the Big 12 to compete financially with the SEC. The conference should leverage its marketable matchups and rivalries to negotiate favorable contracts with major sports networks. Creating a dedicated Big 12 network, similar to the SEC Network, can generate additional revenue streams and provide a platform for promoting all conference sports. Furthermore, exploring partnerships with streaming services can capture a broader, tech-savvy audience.

Branding and Marketing
The Big 12 must invest heavily in branding and marketing to elevate its profile. Highlighting the unique aspects of Big 12 football, such as its high-scoring games and historic rivalries, can attract more fans. Engaging with fans through social media, community events, and interactive experiences can build a more loyal and expansive fan base. Additionally, promoting the conference’s academic achievements and student-athlete success stories can enhance its overall reputation.

Commitment to Academic and Athletic Excellence
Emphasizing a strong commitment to both academic and athletic excellence can differentiate the Big 12. Highlighting the academic achievements of student-athletes and the research initiatives of member institutions can attract high-caliber recruits who value education. This dual focus can help the conference appeal to a broader audience, including parents and educators.

Conclusion
In conclusion, for the Big 12 to overtake the SEC, it must strategically enhance its competitive balance, expand wisely, secure lucrative media rights, invest in branding, and commit to academic and athletic excellence. By focusing on these areas, the Big 12 can elevate its profile, attract top talent, and compete with the SEC for national prominence in college football.

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[chuckwest]

This guy Yormark sure does talk a lot.

[chsmithins]

Hey, if the name “Allstate-12” works and is worth big bucks, why not sell naming rights to each 10 yard line on the field? Someday radio announcers will say, “First and 10 from the GM40 - hands the ball to Johnson who cuts right, then left and is finally taken down near the Abercrombie & Fitch20 for the first down.”
Hmmm. That works too. ;)

[buckeyeintexas]

If the ACC loses Clemson and Florida St and they add Memphis and Tulane...the ACC is still better, but ESPIN keeps the 12 alive because they need ESPIN + games!!! Nobody watches your games

[patrickboren]

Spency, Spency, Spency... another shot and miss. ACC without FSU/Clemson, no where near the success of the Big XII in football. Keep it in last 10 years please. Big XII value already on par with ACC with FSU/Clemson, what do you think happens when those two leave and SEC is heavily courting UNC? So now you lose the 3rd most valuable property and you think you will keep up on the board of CFB Monopoly? Nope, no way. Big XII is even looking to go after FSU/Clemson using PE (though it is super duper long shot). ESPN will not extend the ACC GOR beyond 2027 without FSU/Clemson, so expect a major drop in revenue both on normal GOR and CFP revenue. Yeah Big XII way, way, way ahead of the remaining schools.

[Poaf-]

All the best teams are in the sec how’s the - 12 gonna do that

[The_Truth]

I’m betting that Brett Yormark knows a lot more about building out big business than any of you who are doubting him. Time will tell. Yormark is a winner and my money is on the Big 12 winning…but that doesn’t mean every other conference has to loose for the Big 12 to win.

[dfausti]

The greater the depth, the more competitive it is, and the more likely teams have to rise to the top as in a national championship. Don't you think it is easier to respond to the P2 that is a replay of previous seasons where a championship is predictable with either Michigan or Ohio State vs Alabama or Georgia. Predictability is the Achilles heal of the P2 conferences and the brands that they have are losing their luster (outdated) when it comes to parity in the conferences.

[adamb]

No bust on Bret Yormark. Doing an amazing job and will move up to one of the big P2 jobs in a few years. But call it what you want the B12 won’t ever be considered equal to the other 2 because at the individual institution level, they are the “little brothers” “directional schools.” Texas Tech will never the university OF Texas, Central Florida will never be the university OF Florida. Cincy will never by THE Ohio State University. When there was distribution among the conferences where the bluebloods anchored the conference and provided that stability for the little brother, all was well but now all the bluebloods are getting together and breaking away, the weakness of a little brother conference is exposed.

[WeSRT]

Ask yourself why the SEC would pass up FSU and Clemson.... it just doesn't make sense! FSU is better program than most of the SEC programs as is Clemson. If you need to make room get rid of Vanderbilt!!! If the SEC lets FSU and Clemson go to the Big 12 it is high time for new leadership!!!!

[jasonwalters]

Too bad the best team in the league is powerhouse Oklahoma State. lol 😂 Kansas State and KU aren't terrible, possibly Top 25 teams. Still a weak football conference.

[adam]

There are no big brands for the Big 12 to add. The top tier ACC brands are heading for the power two.