Mark Harlan, the Athletics Director at the University of Utah, has been appointed to the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee following the unexpected leave of absence taken by Mack Rhoades, the committee chairman and Baylor athletic director. This development comes as the CFP committee prepares for the upcoming rankings, which are set to be released on Tuesday, less than a month before the final selection show.
Rhoades’ departure left a vacancy, and since he represented a Big 12 school, the conference had the opportunity to recommend a replacement. The Big 12 promptly put forward Harlan’s name, who is stepping into the role during an important and critical time in the college football season. There are two empty positions on the 13-member committee, with Harlan filling one previously held by Rhoades and the other left by former NFL player Randall McDaniel.
In a statement, Harlan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He remarked, “I’m honored to be asked to step up and serve once again on the College Football Playoff selection committee at this critical time in the season, though I wished it was under different circumstances.” Harlan also emphasized his respect for the committee’s work and its members, as well as the CFP staff.
Harlan’s prior experience on the CFP selection committee in 2023 is noteworthy, especially given that year’s controversies, where the committee controversially included 12-1 SEC champion Alabama over undefeated ACC champion Florida State, which was hindered by the injury of their starting quarterback. Harlan is among the select group of current Big 12 athletic directors to have served on the committee before, making him a suitable choice for this pressing situation.
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. Mark’s previous experience on the committee will serve the interests of all of college football alongside the other committee members.”
As Harlan steps in to fill the vacancy, it is important to note that while he will represent the Big 12 on the committee, the role of committee chair will remain with Hunter Yurachek, the athletic director for Arkansas. This change marks a vital moment for college football as the selection committee braces for the challenge of finalizing the playoff field amidst changing dynamics.