The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee is moving swiftly to fill a vacancy following the leave of absence taken by chairman and Baylor University athletic director Mack Rhoades for personal reasons. With less than a month remaining until the final selection show, the Big 12 Conference has recommended Mark Harlan, athletic director at the University of Utah, as Rhoades’ replacement.
Reports indicate that Baylor received allegations involving Rhoades earlier this week. Consequently, the urgency for a new member on the selection committee has increased, particularly with a new set of rankings due to be released on Tuesday. The CFP committee consists of 13 members, and there are currently two vacant positions: one left by Rhoades and another previously held by former NFL player Randall McDaniel.
According to ESPN’s Heather Dinich, Harlan is a seasoned candidate for the role, having served on the CFP selection committee previously in 2023. His past experience is particularly relevant, as that year witnessed one of the most contentious selection processes in CFP history. The committee controversially included the 12-1 SEC champion Alabama in the four-team field over the undefeated ACC champion Florida State, which had lost starting quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury shortly before the playoffs.
Harlan’s familiarity with the committee’s operations makes him a strong choice for a swift appointment. Notably, he is one of only two current Big 12 athletic directors to have previously served on the CFP committee. Although Harlan will fill Rhoades’ seat, the committee’s chair will transition to Hunter Yurachek, athletic director at the University of Arkansas, as confirmed by Dinich.
The recommendation comes at a critical moment for the CFP as it prepares for the final rankings that will shape the upcoming playoffs. With the recent controversies surrounding the selection process, the addition of Harlan could provide a fresh perspective and stability to the committee during this pivotal time in college football.
