As the College Football Playoff semifinal games unfolded, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark dropped a tantalizing hint about potential future changes that could dramatically reshape collegiate athletics.

Speaking at the Orange Bowl stadium, where tickets were selling for as low as $39, Yormark emphasized that 'everything is on the table' regarding playoff restructuring. The current 12-team format, now in its second season, could see significant modifications before the January 23rd deadline for commissioners to finalize details.

One intriguing possibility is keeping more games on campus venues. The first-round matchups, which currently feature fifth through 12th-seeded teams playing at the higher-ranked team's home field, have been remarkably successful. 'Operationally, can we do it? The first-round games have been fantastic in every respect,' Yormark noted, suggesting campus games might become a more permanent fixture.

The travel challenges facing teams like Oregon, who traveled 3,200 miles to Miami and potentially faced an additional 17,500 miles of travel over three weeks, have fueled discussions about playoff logistics. Oregon's coach Dan Lanning bluntly stated, 'There's a better way to do all of this.'

Significant differences remain between conferences about playoff expansion. The Southeastern Conference envisions a 16-team field with at-large bids, while the Big Ten advocates for 16 or more teams with additional automatic qualifiers. Despite potential limitations, Yormark insisted the Big 12 will have 'a big voice in that room'.

Simultaneously, Yormark addressed ongoing negotiations about the College Sports Commission participation agreement. He expressed confidence that the 68 Power Four teams would soon sign the contract, noting that issues raised by state attorneys general are being resolved to ensure universal participation.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, fans and administrators alike await the next chapter in playoff development—a potential transformation that could fundamentally change how championship contenders are determined.