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Irving, Texas– The College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee has appointed Baylor University Athletics Director Mack Rhoades as the new chair of the CFP Selection Committee for the upcoming 2025 football season. Rhoades replaces Warde Manuel, the University of Michigan’s Athletics Director, who served as chair last season.
The announcement was made by Rich Clark, the executive director of the CFP, who also revealed the addition of five new members to the selection committee:
- Mark Dantonio – Former head coach at Michigan State University and University of Cincinnati
- Damon Evans – Athletics Director at the University of Maryland
- Ivan Maisel – Veteran sports journalist with experience at ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and On3
- Chris Massaro – Athletics Director at Middle Tennessee State University
- Wesley Walls – Former All-American tight end from Ole Miss and NFL veteran
Additionally, Steve Wieberg, a former USA TODAY journalist and past CFP Selection Committee member (2014-17), will return for one year.
Mack Rhoades’s Leadership and Experience
Now in his eighth year at Baylor, Mack Rhoades has been instrumental in the university’s athletic success. Under his leadership, Baylor has secured 24 Big 12 championships and eight national titles. He was crucial in building new sports facilities, including the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion and the Fudge Family Development Center for football.
Rhoades has held previous leadership roles at Missouri, Houston, Akron, Marquette, and UTEP. His commitment to excellence in college athletics has earned him prestigious awards like NACDA’s Under Armour AD of the Year (2019-20) and Sports Business Journal’s AD of the Year (2021).
New Selection Committee Members Bring Diverse Experience
The newly appointed committee members bring a wealth of experience in coaching, administration, and media:
- Mark Dantonio, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, led Michigan State to three Big Ten titles and a 2015 College Football Playoff appearance.
- Damon Evans has overseen 49 Big Ten titles and seven national championships at Maryland.
- Ivan Maisel, an award-winning sportswriter, has covered college football for over four decades.
- Chris Massaro has led Middle Tennessee State University to 87 conference championships during his tenure.
- Wesley Walls, a former Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL Pro Bowler, has remained involved in football and business post-retirement.
Selection Committee’s Role in the Playoff Process
The CFP Selection Committee plays a crucial role in determining the top four teams that will compete in the College Football Playoff. Their rankings influence bowl game placements and the national championship matchups.
Conclusion
Mack Rhoades expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating that it is an honor to lead a dedicated group of professionals who are passionate about college football. With a mix of new and returning members, the 2025 CFP Selection Committee is set to bring valuable insights and strong leadership to the playoff process.
This marks the 12th season of the College Football Playoff, and as the sport continues to evolve, the committee’s decisions will be pivotal in shaping the future of college football.
