Big 12 media days are underway, and the quotes from the two-day media event have been flying quickly.
Commissioner Brett Yormark had his State of the Conference address before answering questions on numerous topics. One response, in particular, is sure to ruffle the feathers of the Big 12’s flagship programs in Oklahoma and Texas.
In response to a question about Oklahoma and Texas’ success on the recruiting front, Brett Yormark said, “I don’t think they’ve carried the conference in recruiting. They haven’t been in our championship game the past few years.”
Well, what a way to start the proceedings in Arlington. Yormark spent extensive time talking about the overall conference as a whole. Oklahoma and Texas’ impending’ departure has ruffled feathers since it was announced. However, Yormark’s comments seemed to pivot from the question rather than acknowledge the success of the premier programs.
Yes, the Sooners and Longhorns haven’t been in the Big 12 title game in a few years but make no mistake, the two most talented rosters in the Big 12 since 2010, per 247Sports, have resided in Austin and Norman. No Big 12 team has usurped either school in recruiting rankings. Oklahoma and Texas have been overwhelmingly at the top in draft picks over their tenure in the Big 12.
Regarding championship game appearances, Yormark’s comments can be easily countered when presented with proof, especially for Oklahoma. The Sooners overwhelmingly hold the record for Big 12 titles with 14. The next closest teams in Big 12 titles are Texas, Baylor and Kansas State with three a piece. Including Kansas State and Baylor, the remaining Big 12 schools only have eight combined conference titles in the league’s existence.
It’s not up for debate.
Prior to their two-year mini-title game absence, Oklahoma and Texas met or played in the Big 12 title game every year since it was brought back in 2017. Oklahoma ran off four straight title game wins before stumbling down the stretch in Lincoln Riley’s last season before his departure to USC.
Last year was Brent Venables’ first as the head man at Oklahoma. While we all know the Sooners struggled, it’s hard to imagine a world where Oklahoma is historically that bad again and not in contention for a Big 12 title come December this year.
Aside from that, the commissioner highlighted that this final season for both would be a season of celebration.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said this will be a year of celebration. They intend to celebrate the new additions. They will celebrate the remaining schools. Yormark also said they will celebrate Texas & Oklahoma and all the contributions the schools have made since year one
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) July 12, 2023
Commissioner Yormark also believes Oklahoma and Texas leaving the conference early next year for the SEC is a win-win for the Big 12 and the schools involved.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said the exit of Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 was a win-win for both sides.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) July 12, 2023
Oklahoma and Texas aren’t perfect programs, and neither has had the national championship success it craves lately. Still, the two programs have been the most talented and winningest Big 12 programs in the conference’s history, with Oklahoma overwhelmingly carrying the load.
The Sooners’ final season could be a historic and iconic way to go out as winners of a conference they have dominated.
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