Michigan AD Warde Manuel named new chair of overhauled College Football Playoff committee

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will serve as the chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee in 2024, the CFP announced on Thursday. The CFP also announced a number of new members on the selection committee going forward.

Manuel is stepping in for outgoing selection committee chair, NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan. Corrigan served as the selection committee chair for the past two seasons, but has finished his three-year term on the committee.

“We are delighted that Warde will serve as chair,” outgoing CFP executive director Bill Hancock said in a release announcing the move. “He has been a valuable member of the committee last two years and that experience will serve him well in leading the group. As a former student-athlete, he will also be a good spokesperson to let fans know how the committee reached its rankings.”

Manuel will be chairing the committee — and therefore serve as it’s public voice — during a time of big change for the CFP, as the event moves from four teams to 12 in the 2024-25 season. Manuel is entering his third and final year on the CFP selection committee.

“My first two years on the committee have been a great experience,” Manuel said in the release. “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.”

The other six new members of the CFP selection committee are Washington State AD Patrick Chun, former Arizona State defensive lineman Randall McDaniel, former Toledo and Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, Baylor AD Mack Rhoades, Virginia AD Carla Williams and Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek.

Former Nebraska lineman Will Shields also had his term extended for an additional year.

“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,” Hancock said. “Their knowledge, passion and character, along with their understanding of college football, will allow them to make the transition seamlessly with the returning members. And it is great to have Will returning. His understanding and wisdom will be a real benefit.”

The new committee members are replacing the following outgoing selection committee members: Corrigan, Utah AD Mark Harlan, Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart, Kansas State AD Gene Taylor, Virginia Union University AD Joe Taylor and former Notre Dame linebacker Rod West.