The College Football Playoff selection committee releases its first Top 25 rankings tonight, marking one of the most important dates on the college football calendar.
For the first time this season, the postseason race takes shape. The committee’s rankings will set the path for which 12 teams compete for the national championship.
The CFP rankings carry real weight. While the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll have guided early discussions, these are the rankings that matter.
Over the next five Tuesdays, the 12-person committee meets to evaluate resumes, head-to-head matchups, strength of schedule, and conference titles. They’ll decide who makes the field on Selection Sunday, Dec. 7.
This year’s committee features former coaches, administrators, and media members. All bring deep experience to the selection room.
College Football Playoff selection committee member Randall McDaniel stepped away from his role this fall for personal reasons. This marks the fourth time in 12 years the CFP selection committee has operated with fewer than the standard 13 members.
The 2025 College Football Playoff selection committee
Mack Rhoades of Baylor chairs this year’s committee. The two-time national Athletics Director of the Year has overseen 24 Big 12 titles and seven national championships during his tenure in Waco.
Chris Ault headlines the coaching contingent. The longtime Nevada coach and College Football Hall of Famer created the “Pistol Offense” that revolutionized college football.
Ault spent nearly three decades leading the Wolf Pack. He captured 10 conference titles and posted a 234–108–1 record.
Mark Dantonio joins him as the winningest coach in Michigan State history. Dantonio guided the Spartans to three Big Ten titles and a 2015 Playoff berth, finishing his career with 132 victories across stints at Cincinnati and Michigan State.
Former Oregon State and Nebraska coach Mike Riley also sits on the panel. A veteran of nearly five decades in coaching, Riley brings experience across college and professional football, including the NFL, CFL, and USFL.
Athletic Directors with experience at the helm
Several active athletic directors help shape the playoff picture, ensuring institutional and conference perspectives are represented.
Troy Dannen enters his second year at Nebraska. He’s built a resume of leadership and reform, serving previously on the NCAA Constitution and Transformation Committees.
Carla Williams has directed Virginia athletics since 2017. She’s presided over multiple national championships and record academic performances across UVA sports.
Hunter Yurachek of Arkansas rounds out the current ADs. Under his leadership, the Razorbacks have led all SEC schools in conference championships over the past four years.
Chris Massaro of Middle Tennessee has led his school to 87 conference titles over two decades. David Sayler of Miami (Ohio) has guided the RedHawks to multiple conference and academic honors.
Industry veterans and analysts
The committee includes former CFP chairman Jeff Long, who returns after serving during the Playoff’s formative years from 2014-18. Long brings 40 years of administrative experience, having directed programs at Kansas, Arkansas, and Pittsburgh.
Ivan Maisel represents the media world as one of the sport’s most respected journalists. A veteran of ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and The Dallas Morning News, Maisel has covered college football for over four decades and was instrumental in ESPN’s “College Football 150” project.
Wesley Walls offers the player’s perspective. The College Football Hall of Famer and five-time NFL Pro Bowler played tight end at Ole Miss before enjoying a 15-year professional career highlighted by a Super Bowl victory and induction into the Carolina Panthers’ Hall of Honor.
How and when to watch
The committee meets weekly through early December. Fans can tune in to ESPN each Tuesday night for the latest rankings reveal.
College Football Playoff Rankings Schedule (All times Eastern)
Nov. 4: 8 p.m. (First release)
Nov. 11: 7 p.m.
Nov. 18: 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 25: 7 p.m.
Dec. 2: 7 p.m.
Selection Sunday (Final Rankings): Dec. 7, 12 p.m.
