Former coaches Gus Malzahn and Jeff Tedford, along with Louisiana athletic director Bryan Maggard, are stepping into key roles with the College Football Playoff Selection Committee as the 2026 season approaches. This announcement was made by CFP executive director Rich Clark on Monday.
Malzahn, who retired earlier this year after a stint as Florida State’s offensive coordinator and a four-year run as head coach at UCF, joins the committee alongside Tedford, who wrapped up his time with Fresno State following a successful nine-win season in 2023. Maggard is entering his 10th year at the helm of Louisiana’s athletic department.
These additions follow the expiration of terms for outgoing committee members Chris Ault, Jeff Long, and David Sayler. Hunter Yurachek will continue in his role as selection committee chair.
Clark emphasized the value of bringing in perspectives from Malzahn, Tedford, and Maggard for the committee’s 13th season. Each member possesses a deep understanding of college football paired with a genuine passion for the sport. Their backgrounds as recent coaches, university leaders, and former student-athletes offer a diverse foundation that supports the work of returning committee members, facilitating a smooth transition.
2026 CFP Selection Committee
– Troy Dannen, Nebraska AD
– Mark Harlan, Utah AD
– Chris Massaro, Middle Tennessee AD
– Carla Williams, Virginia AD
– Hunter Yurachek, Arkansas AD
– Mark Dantonio, former coach
– Gus Malzahn, former coach
– Jeff Tedford, former coach
– Mike Riley, former coach
– Randall McDaniel, former All-American OL
– Wesley Walls, former All-American TE
– Ivan Maisel, retired media
Last season’s committee decisions were not without controversy, especially with the final selection choosing Miami over Notre Dame for the last at-large spot in the newly expanded playoff. Despite a head-to-head win for Miami earlier in the season, it was the final rankings that set the path for this contentious choice.
Alabama’s position remained stagnant in the rankings despite losing to Georgia, which only added to the scrutiny on the selection process for the last playoff spots. Miami’s final ranking at No. 12 and Notre Dame’s at No. 10 left fans and analysts debating the merits of the committee’s choices.
Discussion surrounding the future of the playoff often revolves around potential expansion, with suggestions of extending the bracket to 16 or even 24 teams. After discussions in January between the Big Ten and SEC, the CFP Management Committee confirmed that the upcoming season would keep the playoff at a 12-team format.
The Big Ten advocates for a 24-team bracket with multiple automatic qualifiers for its conference. Meanwhile, the SEC is pushing for a 16-team model that includes guaranteed bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions.
As part of the adjustments to the 12-team format set for 2026, the newly structured guidelines will secure spots for the champions of the Power Four conferences, regardless of their overall rankings at the end of the season. Notably, Notre Dame will also receive a guaranteed at-large bid if it finishes in the top 12 of the final CFP rankings.
