This week, the Big 12 Conference had meetings for several sports, including women’s and men’s basketball and football. All three of West Virginia’s coaches for those three sports were representatives for the coaches for the conference. Some of the biggest topics came after the football meetings.
Rich Rodriguez is the Chair of the Big 12 Coaches Committee, and was the speaking voice for how the meeting between all of the coaches went. Most of the press conference was taken up by Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, representing the Big 12 Champions. He answered questions regarding quarterback Brendan Sorsby and his eligibility for the 2026 season. McGuire called out Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and challenged him to a Week 1 game, willing to buy out the smaller schools that the two teams have already scheduled.
But one of the bigger storylines out of the presser was what Rodriguez said regarding the College Football Playoff format. The American Football Coaches Association proposed a 24-team playoff, which had a couple of changes, but the biggest was doubling the field, allowing for more opportunities for teams.
The coaches discussed that format.
“They should ask coaches for more opinions on what’s best for college football,” West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said. “We voted, and it was unanimous. … Who knows where that goes.”
The 24-team format would greatly help the Big 12. The conference had just one team in the CFP last year, Texas Tech. This new format would’ve put Utah, BYU, Arizona and potentially Houston if you go off last year’s rankings. A lot more participation in the league.
WVU athletic director gave the same response during his spring press conference.
“I do think it needs to be enlarged, just for representation generally,” Baker said. “I think there are teams being left out who could win games and perhaps advance to the championship.”
There’s pushback for this format, mostly from the SEC. The SEC had meetings just before the Big 12, and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said he was in favor of a 16-team format instead. The coaches of the conference were split.
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko gave its honest thoughts on the expansion. He joked that the playoff should expand to 40 teams because then he’ll never get fired. Kirby Smart talked about even leaving the NCAA over disagreements.
Nothing will change unless the Big Ten and SEC agree on it. Those two conferences decide the format, and a new format will have to be decided on before December. The Big Ten is in favor of 24 teams.
There were other topics Rodriguez provided answers to. There was talk about potentially adding another conference game, bringing it to 10. Rodriguez said there wasn’t much discussion about adding another game, and he was just focused on getting a first down at the moment. WVU finished the 2025 season 4-8, with just two wins in the conference.
There won’t be any changes for the 2026 season. It will still have a 12-team playoff and nine conference games. WVU kicks off its 2026 season against Coastal Carolina at noon.
