Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek nominated as new CFP Committee chair

By Chris Marler

Two days after unveiling the second CFP rankings of the 2025 season, the committee will be looking for a new chairman. This follows the announcement from current chairman and Baylor AD Mack Rhoades that he will be taking a leave of absence.

“Mack will step down from his role with the committee at this time for personal reasons,” CFP executive director Rich Clark told ESPN. “The CFP will likely try to replace Rhoades and will work on naming a new chair as quickly as possible.”

Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek is being nominated as the CFP selection committee’s new chair, sources tell @YahooSports. The nomination, like Harlan, needs to be authorized by the CFP governing boards. https://t.co/VemEDUzLZL

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 13, 2025

Rhoades becomes the second committee member to step away this season leaving the once 13 person committee with just 11 members. Arizona State alum Randall McDaniel announced in October that he would be taking a leave for personal reasons. 

Two names have emerged as potential options to help guide the committee for the remainder of the season: Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek and Utah AD Mark Harlan, who has been nominated to fill Rhoades’ seat on the committee.

Both moves have to be approved by the CFP management committee before anything is finalized.