Utah’s Mark Harlan Joins 2025 CFP Committee
Mark Harlan, the athletic director of the University of Utah, has been appointed to the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee for 2025. This decision follows the unexpected leave of absence taken by Mack Rhoades, the committee chairman and athletic director at Baylor University.
College Football Playoff Committee Update
The CFP committee needed to fill Rhoades’ vacant position quickly, as the final selection show approaches in under a month. With Rhoades representing the Big 12 conference, it was their responsibility to recommend a suitable replacement.
Harlan’s Selection
On the same day of the announcement, the Big 12 recommended Mark Harlan for the role. His prior experience on the committee from 2023 made him a strong candidate. In that year, the selection process was marked by notable controversies, particularly the decision to include Alabama, a 12-1 SEC champion, over the undefeated ACC champion, Florida State.
- Alabama’s inclusion was controversial as Florida State lost their starting quarterback, Jordan Travis, to an injury.
- Harlan is one of only two current Big 12 athletic directors with prior committee involvement.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark praised Harlan’s appointment, stating, “Mark Harlan is an excellent choice to serve as the Big 12 Conference’s representative on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.” He highlighted Harlan’s experience as a benefit for the committee and college football as a whole.
Current Committee Structure
Despite Harlan’s role, he will not serve as the chair of the committee. That position will be held by Hunter Yurachek, the athletic director at the University of Arkansas.
This change comes at a crucial time for the CFP committee, as they prepare to announce the rankings that determine which teams compete in the College Football Playoff.
