The countdown is on! The 2024 College Football Playoff committee is set to unveil its final rankings this Sunday at Noon ET. This momentous occasion will determine which 12 teams will earn a coveted spot in the playoff field. Are you ready for the excitement?
The Evolution of the Playoff System
In the past, the path to the national championship was often dictated by computers, thanks to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Before that, the final polls, including those from the Associated Press and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), crowned the national champions. However, since 2014, the landscape has shifted dramatically.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is now overseen by a human committee comprised of 13 members. This committee is responsible for selecting the final teams on Selection Sunday. Initially, from 2014 to 2023, the playoff featured just four teams. But this season marks a significant expansion to 12 teams, providing more opportunities for deserving programs to compete for the championship. Each member of this committee is appointed for a three-year term, bringing a wealth of experience from various backgrounds, including former players, athletic directors, and sports journalists.
Meet the Committee Members
Let’s dive into the impressive roster of individuals who will be shaping the future of college football. These 13 committee members are not only passionate about the sport but also bring extensive knowledge and experience to the table.
Warde Manuel
Warde Manuel stands out as the most visible member of the selection committee, currently serving as its chairman. You may have seen him fielding questions from the media after each ranking reveal. Manuel has been the athletic director at Michigan since 2016 and played for the Wolverines from 1986 to 1989. His previous roles as an athletic director at Buffalo and UConn have prepared him well for this position, which he has held since 2022.
Chris Ault
Next up is Chris Ault, a former head coach at the University of Nevada. His tenure from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2004 to 2012 saw the Wolfpack achieve an impressive 95-56 record. Ault’s coaching journey didn’t stop there; he also served as a consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs and coached in the Italian Football League. He joined the CFP selection committee in March 2023, bringing a wealth of coaching experience.
Chet Gladchuk
Chet Gladchuk has been a fixture in athletic director offices since the late 1970s. After serving at UMass and Syracuse, he held athletic director positions at Tulane, Boston College, and Houston before taking the helm at Navy in 2001. Gladchuk, who played college football at Boston College, has been on the selection committee since 2022.
Jim Grobe
Jim Grobe’s coaching career spans decades, beginning as an assistant at various schools before becoming the head coach at Ohio. He later made his mark at Wake Forest, where he led the team from 2001 to 2013. Grobe has served on the selection committee since 2022 and has also coached in the AAF.
Randall McDaniel
Randall McDaniel is a name synonymous with success in both college and professional football. A four-year starter at Arizona State, he helped the Sun Devils secure a Rose Bowl victory in 1987. After a stellar 14-season NFL career, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, McDaniel was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. He joined the CFP selection committee earlier this year.
Gary Pinkel
Gary Pinkel is a legendary figure in college football, best known for his time as head coach at Missouri from 2001 to 2015. With a record of 118-73, he is the winningest coach in Tigers’ history. Pinkel’s success at Missouri included leading the team to nine winning seasons in 11 years. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015 but has now joined the selection committee for the first time this season.
Mack Rhoades
Mack Rhoades has been an athletic director since 2006, with a rich history at various institutions, including Akron, Houston, and Missouri. Currently serving as the athletic director at Baylor, Rhoades was appointed to the selection committee earlier this year.
Mike Riley
Mike Riley has a storied coaching career, having led teams like Oregon State and Nebraska. After spending nearly two decades as an assistant, he became head coach at Oregon State from 1997 to 1998 and again from 2003 to 2014. His tenure at Nebraska lasted from 2015 to 2017. This is his first season on the CFP selection committee.
David Sayler
David Sayler has been the athletic director at Miami University since 2012, following previous positions at South Dakota and Rice. Under his leadership, Miami has clinched 56 conference championships. Sayler joined the selection committee in March 2023.
Will Shields
Will Shields, a 2011 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, had a remarkable career as an offensive guard for Nebraska. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and set a franchise record with 12 Pro Bowl appearances. Shields has been part of the selection committee since 2021.
Kelly Whiteside
Kelly Whiteside joined the committee in 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in sports journalism. She spent 14 years covering college football for USA Today and has taught sports media and journalism at various institutions.
Carla Williams
Carla Williams, the athletic director at the University of Virginia since 2017, played women’s college basketball for the Bulldogs at the University of Georgia. She joined the selection committee earlier this year.
Hunter Yurachek
Finally, Hunter Yurachek, the athletic director at Arkansas since 2017, has also been appointed to the selection committee this year. His previous roles include serving as AD at Coastal Carolina and Houston.
As the final rankings approach, the excitement is palpable. The committee’s decisions will shape the landscape of college football for years to come. With such a diverse and experienced group at the helm, fans can expect a thrilling playoff season ahead!
