The College Football Playoff Selection Committee possesses huge influence over the current college football scene. It is typically made up of a diverse mix of athletic directors, former coaches, players, and administrators.
The selection process of these members remains one of the most scrutinized and debated aspects of college football every year.
Who Are the College Football Playoff Committee Members?
The 2025 College Football Playoff Selection Committee consists of 12 members.
Let’s enjoy a breakdown of their backgrounds and term expirations:
Chris Ault – Former Nevada head coach and former UNLV assistant coach, February 2026.
Troy Dannen – Second-year athletics director at Nebraska, February 2028.
Mark Dantonio – Former Cincinnati and Michigan State head coach, February 2028.
Jeff Long – Former director of athletics at Kansas, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, and Eastern Kentucky, February 2026.
Ivan Maisel – Former sportswriter of The Atlanta Constitution, Sports Illustrated, The Dallas Morning News, and Newsday, February 2028.
Chris Massaro – Former Director of Athletics at Middle Tennessee State, February 2028.
Mike Riley – Former Oregon State and Nebraska head coach, February 2027
David Sayler – Miami Athletics Director, February 2026.
Wesley Walls – Former Ole Miss and San Francisco 49ers tight end, February 2028.
Carla Williams – Seventh-year Director of Athletics at Virginia, February 2027.
Hunter Yurachek – Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, February 2027.
Mark Harlan – Athletics Director at the University of Utah, term expiration unknown
Randall McDaniel, College and Pro Football Hall of Fame member and former Arizona State All-American offensive lineman, was also initially a member of the committee. However, it was announced in October that he would step away from the role this season.
Meanwhile, the committee members are selected based on their deep knowledge and involvement in college football. Candidates are nominated by conference commissioners, while final appointments are made by the CFP management committee.
Each member typically serves a three-year term, but there are occasional exceptions. Initial terms were staggered to allow for consistent rotation. Members do not receive compensation for their service, and the CFP enforces a strict recusal policy to maintain fairness and transparency in all decisions.
The first CFP Selection Committee was introduced in October 2013. It debuted with weekly rankings during its inaugural season before ultimately determining the playoff bracket of 12 teams.
Who Is the Head of the Committee?
In mid-November 2025, the College Football Playoff Management Committee selected Arkansas Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek as the head of the committee, replacing former Baylor AD Mack Rhoades, who stepped down from the position due to personal reasons that also impacted his employment at the Waco-based Big 12 program.
“We are deeply appreciative of Mack Rhoades’ leadership and service as Chair of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee this season,” Rich Clark, the executive director of the College Football Playoff, said, via a press release. “Mack has informed us of his decision to step down for personal reasons, and our thoughts are with him and his family during this time.
“We are pleased to announce that Hunter Yurachek will assume the role of Selection Committee Chair, effective immediately. Hunter’s experience, integrity, and commitment to the game make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the committee as it continues its important work throughout the remainder of the season.”
Before joining the Razorbacks in 2017, Yurachek was the AD at Houston (2015-2017) and Coastal Carolina (2010-2015), where he was named the FCS Athletic Director of the Year in 2014. A Richmond, Virginia, native, he played basketball at Guildford College before beginning his administrative career at Wake Forest. He’s also spent time at Vanderbilt, Western Carolina, Virginia, and Akron.
