Yurachek named chair of College Football Playoff selection committee

IRVING, Texas — Hunter Yurachek, the athletics director at the University of Arkansas, has been appointed chair of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee for the rest of the 2025 season.

The decision was announced after Baylor athletics director Mack Rhoades stepped down from the role for personal reasons.

The change places Yurachek at the center of the group that evaluates and ranks teams for the College Football Playoff.

His work will include leading the weekly meetings that determine the top 25 and guiding the discussions that shape the 12-team playoff field at the end of the season.

Rich Clark, executive director of the CFP Management Committee, said the organization appreciated the work Rhoades provided during his time as chair.

In announcing Yurachek’s appointment, Clark said the Arkansas AD would bring strong leadership and a thoughtful approach to the job.

“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,” Clark said in a statement released by the CFP.

The committee meets in person each week beginning in early November. Its task is to assess team records, head-to-head results, conference strength and other factors before releasing rankings each Tuesday.

At the end of the regular season, the group sets the 12-team playoff bracket.

Yurachek has served as Arkansas’ athletics director since 2017.

During his time in Fayetteville, he has overseen facility upgrades, expanded student-athlete support programs and helped guide the Razorbacks through recent changes across the college sports landscape.

His national involvement has also grown, including work with committees and working groups related to postseason competition.

New member added to help fill vacancy

Along with Yurachek’s appointment, the CFP announced that Utah athletics director Mark Harlan has been added to the selection committee.

Harlan will fill the spot left open by Rhoades’ departure.

Harlan is familiar with the committee’s work. He served a one-year term during the 2023 season and returns with experience in the ranking process. Utah has won both national and conference titles during his tenure, adding to his background in evaluating successful programs.

His addition keeps the committee at full strength as it moves into the final weeks of the season.

The group includes a mix of athletics directors, former coaches and other leaders from across the country. Each member brings a different perspective meant to help the committee compare teams with fairness and consistency.

The CFP said Harlan’s return will help the group maintain continuity during a busy part of the season. Like Yurachek, he will begin his duties immediately.

Trusted figure in college sports

Yurachek’s selection signals the CFP’s confidence in his ability to manage a process that often draws national attention.

As chair, he will lead the weekly meetings, help shape conversations and communicate the committee’s decisions to the public.

He will also be responsible for explaining how rankings are formed and how the committee views teams as the season progresses.

His approach will help shape the public understanding of the playoff system throughout November and December.

Yurachek has built a reputation in the SEC and nationwide for steady guidance and a clear decision-making style.

The CFP described him as someone whose character and experience make him a strong fit for the role.

The appointment adds to a period of growth for Arkansas athletics. The Razorbacks have seen improvements across several sports during his tenure, and he has played a role in advancing long-term planning and facility upgrades.

His move into the CFP chair position extends his influence into one of the most important decision-making groups in college athletics.

The selection committee’s work is especially important in the expanded 12-team playoff era.

Teams and conferences follow the rankings closely, and the chair often becomes the public voice of the process.

Yurachek will now fill that role, beginning with the committee’s next meeting and continuing through the final playoff announcement.

Key takeaways

• Hunter Yurachek will serve as chair of the CFP Selection Committee for the rest of the 2025 season.

• He replaces Mack Rhoades, who stepped down for personal reasons; Utah AD Mark Harlan joins as a new member.

• The committee ranks teams weekly and sets the 12-team playoff field at the end of the season.