Michigan’s athletic director has been appointed as the chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee for the..
Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, has been appointed as the chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee for the upcoming season, as announced by the CFP on Thursday. Manuel, who has been a part of the committee for the past two years, will take over from North Carolina State AD Boo Corrigan as the committee’s chair and public face. Despite Michigan’s contention and eventual national championship victory last season, Manuel remained on the committee.
Expressing his gratitude, Manuel stated, “My first two years on the committee have been a great experience. I have so much respect for the time and effort each committee member puts in each week because of their commitment to the game. I’m honored to be asked to serve as committee chair.”
As the playoff expands from four to 12 teams next season, Manuel will play a crucial role in the committee’s decisions, with at least five spots reserved for conference champions. The CFP also announced the addition of six new members to the 13-person panel, including athletic directors Pat Chun of Washington State, Carla Williams of Virginia, Mack Rhoades of Baylor, and Hunter Yurachek of Arkansas. Former Missouri coach Gary Pinkel and former Arizona State and NFL star Randall McDaniel will also join the committee.
Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the CFP, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, saying, “The additions of Pat, Randall, Gary, Mack, Carla, and Hunter will bring some great new voices to the selection committee as we enter our 11th season. Their knowledge, passion, and character, along with their understanding of college football, will allow them to make the transition seamlessly with the returning members.”
Warde Manuel’s experience on the committee over the last two years was highlighted as valuable, and his role as chair will involve explaining the committee’s rankings on ESPN weekly in the second half of the season. Additionally, former Nebraska All-American Will Shields will have his committee term extended by one year, while all new members will begin three-year terms.
