Big 12 Commissioner Won’t Share Thanksgiving Meal with Texas Coach

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t expect Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark to be breaking bread with the Longhorns this season, their last in the league.

During his weekly news conference on Monday, Sarkisian addressed Yormark’s recent comment to Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire. Yormark had told McGuire that his team “better take care of business” when facing Texas on the day after Thanksgiving. While Yormark plans to be in Austin for the game, Sarkisian indicated that there won’t be an invitation to share a Thanksgiving meal.

Sarkisian revealed, “I received a letter from the commissioner about sportsmanship just before that speech. So, I’m pondering the message we’re conveying to our student-athletes, and then to hear such remarks. I’m not assuming he’ll be joining us for Thanksgiving dinner the night before the game.”

Longhorns’ Season Opener and Big 12 Transition

The No. 11 Longhorns are set to kick off their season at home against Rice on Saturday. This marks the beginning of their final season in the Big 12 conference, as both Texas and No. 20 Oklahoma are preparing to move to the Southeastern Conference next year. Originally, their departure was projected for the 2024-25 academic year, aligned with the current media rights deal. However, changes have allowed them to make the transition after this season.

The Big 12 will feature 14 teams this season, with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF joining before Texas and Oklahoma make their switch. Next year, the conference will expand to 16 teams with the inclusion of current Pac-12 teams like Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and No. 14 Utah.

Yormark expressed, “We successfully negotiated an early exit for Texas and Oklahoma. This was significant for us, and I believe for all of you as well.” His words garnered applause from Tech fans during the Raider Club kickoff luncheon.

The anticipation builds as Texas navigates its final season in the Big 12, and the landscape of college sports continues to evolve.