The Big 12 Conference announced Sunday it is issuing $500,000 institutional fines to Iowa State and Kansas State after both programs opted out of participating in the league’s bowl pool following recent coaching changes.
“While the Conference acknowledges the difficult timing around coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for fulfilling its contractual obligations to its bowl partners,” the league said in a statement. The conference added it considers the matter resolved and will have no further comment.
The decisions from Iowa State and Kansas State come at a turbulent moment for both programs. Iowa State is without longtime head coach Matt Campbell, who departed this week for Penn State, ending a national coaching search that stretched more than 50 days. Campbell went 72-55 in 10 seasons with the Cyclones, delivering five eight-win seasons, a Big 12 title game appearance and transforming the program into a steady conference contender.
Kansas State saw Chris Klieman retire after seven seasons. Klieman led the Wildcats to the 2022 Big 12 championship and six bowl appearances, compiling 54 wins — the most among active Big 12 programs across that span. He also extended Kansas State’s dominance in the Governor’s Cup rivalry with 17 straight victories. Former Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein has been named Klieman’s successor.
The fines shows the Big 12’s emphasis on meeting bowl commitments despite program transitions. Texas Tech was the only conference team to make the College Football Playoff.
