Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is leaving, and Texas Tech fans have a question of their own: Can the tortillas come back? The Big 12 announced Friday that Yormark will step down on January 31, 2027. His four-plus years leading the league brought expansion and a major television agreement, but also several public clashes involving Texas Tech, from tortilla penalties to scheduling and player eligibility.
The tortilla dispute
Texas Tech's decades-old kickoff tortilla toss became a flashpoint in 2025 when the Big 12 tightened its rules on objects thrown toward the field. After two 15-yard penalties during the Red Raiders' October 11 victory over Kansas, the conference fined Tech $25,000. On October 20, Texas Tech Athletics announced that fans throwing tortillas or other objects could be ejected and lose future ticket privileges. The university said it could not risk penalties that might hurt the team. Big 12 fine announcement | Texas Tech policy
Campbell and Yormark clash
In spring 2026, Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell objected to a proposed Friday-night game against Houston, arguing that Friday nights belong to Texas high school football. Yormark defended the league's television scheduling decisions and publicly challenged Campbell's authority over conference affairs. Campbell then revived the tortilla issue in his response. Read the reported exchange.
Quarterback eligibility dispute
The relationship became more strained in June when the Big 12 went to federal court over its ability to enforce conference rules in the Brendan Sorsby eligibility dispute. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned against sanctions on Texas Tech for complying with a state court order. The conflict raised questions about the authority of conferences, courts and universities in a changing college sports landscape. Texas Attorney General's statement.
A pointed exchange at media days
At July's Big 12 football media days, a reporter questioned Yormark about the tortilla rules, the Sorsby controversy and the treatment of Texas Tech. Yormark pushed back and reiterated his message that the conference was united. Media days transcript.
What happens next?
The Big 12 says it will begin a national search for its next commissioner. Yormark's record includes integrating eight new members and a long-term media agreement, alongside the disagreements that frustrated some Red Raider supporters. Official Big 12 announcement.
For now, the tortilla ban remains in place. A change in commissioners does not change stadium policy. Whether the tradition returns will depend on decisions still to come.
