BREAKING NEWS: BYU Cougars National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA Community Reacts in Shock as Former Cougars Legend Steve Young, Has been Announce as the Big 12 Conference Commissioner (CC) Appointed by….. view more

🏈 BREAKING NEWS: NCAA Community Reacts in Shock as Former BYU Legend Steve Young Announced as Big 12 Commissioner

In a stunning and unprecedented move, the Big 12 Conference announced this morning that former BYU Cougars and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young has been appointed as the new Big 12 Commissioner.

The announcement, made jointly by the Big 12 Board of Directors and NCAA officials, sent shockwaves through the college sports world. Young, 63, becomes the first former collegiate athlete and professional Hall of Famer to hold the top administrative post in the conference’s history.

“This conference has always represented competition, integrity, and innovation,” Young said during the press conference held at Big 12 headquarters in Dallas. “I’m honored to help lead it into a new era of excellence—on and off the field.”

The appointment reportedly came after months of closed-door discussions, following the retirement of outgoing commissioner Brett Yormark. Sources inside the conference say Young’s combination of leadership experience, business acumen, and national profile made him a unanimous favorite.

The BYU community reacted with pride and astonishment. Students gathered at the Marriott Center to watch the live announcement on the video board, erupting into cheers when Young’s name was revealed.

“Steve Young is the embodiment of what it means to be a Cougar,” said BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe. “He’s proven himself at every level. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Across social media, reactions ranged from surprise to enthusiasm. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called the decision “a bold, visionary move for college sports,” while others expressed curiosity about how Young’s player-first philosophy might shape the future of the Big 12.

Young’s appointment is effective immediately, with his first official duty being the Big 12 Media Summit in November.