Michigan's athletic director will be the man overseeing this year's College Football Playoff selection.
Warde Manuel, who is entering his ninth year as the Wolverines' AD, has been named chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee for 2024, taking over for NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan.
Manuel served on the selection committee in both 2022 and 2023.
“We are delighted that Warde will serve as chair,” CFP executive director Bill Hancock said. “He has been a valuable member of the committee (for the) 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.”
The CFP also announced six new members of the selection committee on Thursday. They are Washington State athletic director and Ohio State alum Patrick Chun, former All-American and Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Randall McDaniel, former Toledo and Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel, Baylor AD Mack Rhoades, Virginia AD Carla Williams and Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek.
Members of the selection committee serve three-year terms, which means Manuel's run as a chairman will last only one season.
Michigan has made the playoff in both of Manuel's previous two campaigns on the selection committee, losing to TCU in the semifinals in 2022 before winning a national championship in 2023.
“My first two years on the committee have been a great experience,” Manuel said. “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.”
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith served on the CFP selection committee in 2017 and 2018 before stepping away a year early to focus on assisting Ryan Day with the Buckeyes' football program during his first season as a head coach in 2019.
Manuel's appointment coincides with the first year of the 12-team playoff, as he and the committee will deal with the expanded field and first-round byes for the first time in 2024.
