The Big 12 Conference put out a statement on Tuesday regarding its meeting with athletic directors around the conference one day after a judge granted a temporary injunction for Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby against the NCAA, making him eligible to play for the Red Raiders in 2026.
The Big 12’s statement never specifically mentions Sorsby by name, instead referring to “the broader implications of the situation.” He goes on to note that, “These conversations will remain in the conference.”
This statement reads to me as Yormark trying to call down everyone behind the scenes, while also trying to prevent any leaks from some of the ADs that may come out in the media. Yormark does not want his athletic directors spouting off to the media, like what happened on Monday, when K-State athletic director Gene Taylor called the situation, “F*cking Bullsh*t.”
Yormark is dealing with possibly the most consequential situation he’s ever dealt as Big 12 commissioner, this side of cutting in front of the Pac-12 to negotiate the league’s TV rights deal, which ultimately led to the demise of the Pac-12 Conference. But this story appears to be one that could unravel the Big 12, and put the league on unstable footing at the worst time possible. None of this is healthy for the league.
However, if anyone can navigate the choppy waters, there is no doubt in my mind it’s Brett Yormark, who as the respect of leadership up and down the Big 12 ranks.
Sorsby is expected to be back for Texas Tech’s Week 3 game against the Houston Cougars on a Friday evening, in what is the Red Raiders’ Big 12 season opener, and one of the most important games of the conference calendar.
