Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has fired a warning shot at Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, labeling the school's behavior toward the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as 'egregious' following its exclusion from the College Football Playoff. This sharp criticism marks an escalation in the ongoing discussions surrounding conference realignment and Notre Dame's unique position in college football.

The remarks come after Notre Dame's season concluded with a loss, preventing coach Marcus Freeman's team from competing in the playoff. Yormark's statement suggests a disagreement over Notre Dame's dealings with the ACC, though specific details of the alleged behavior were not elaborated upon. The commissioner's use of the term 'egregious' indicates a strong level of disapproval, implying that Notre Dame's actions have crossed a line in the eyes of the Big 12 and other conferences.

Notre Dame's independent status allows it to negotiate television contracts outside of a conference, a significant advantage that has drawn scrutiny from other leagues. The team maintains membership in the ACC for most sports, but its football program operates independently, scheduling games against teams from various conferences. This arrangement has been a subject of debate within the college sports landscape, with some arguing it creates an unfair competitive advantage. The evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly with recent conference realignments, has intensified the focus on Notre Dame's future and its relationship with the ACC.