CFP Committee Shrunk Again for 2025 Season

The College Football Playoff Committee, tasked with ranking the nation's top teams, is operating with a reduced number of members for the 2025-2026 season. With Randall McDaniel stepping back for personal reasons in October, the committee will consist of 12 individuals, fewer than its standard 13. This marks the fourth occurrence in the last 12 years that the committee has operated below its intended size, a situation stemming from its relatively young history compared to the previous Bowl Championship Series era which relied heavily on computer metrics.

The committee is comprised of experienced individuals from various backgrounds in college football and sports administration. Notable members include former head coaches like Chris Ault and Mark Dantonio, athletic directors such as Troy Dannen and Mark Harlan, and long-time sports journalists like Ivan Maisel. Jeff Long, who previously chaired the committee, also brings significant experience. These individuals convene to make critical decisions shaping the postseason landscape.

Their final deliberations will conclude after conference championship weekend, with the official rankings to be broadcast on ESPN on Sunday, December 7th. This announcement culminates a season of intense debate and scrutiny surrounding the committee's selections, a hallmark of the College Football Playoff era since its inception in 2014.