Former coaches Gus Malzahn and Jeff Tedford, along with Louisiana’s athletic director Bryan Maggard, are now part of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee ahead of the 2026 season. This announcement, made by CFP executive director Rich Clark on Monday, signals a significant shift in the committee’s dynamics.
Malzahn, who recently stepped away from his role as Florida State’s offensive coordinator after just one season, previously dedicated four years as UCF’s head coach. Tedford concluded his tenure at Fresno State in 2023, finishing with a commendable nine-win season. On the other hand, Maggard is marking his tenth year guiding Louisiana’s athletic department.
These appointments fill the vacancies left by Chris Ault, Jeff Long, and David Sayler, whose terms have expired. Furthermore, Hunter Yurachek will continue to lead the selection committee as its chair.
Rich Clark highlighted the value of these new members, stating, “The additions of Bryan Maggard, Gus Malzahn, and Jeff Tedford will introduce strong, fresh perspectives to the selection committee as we enter our 13th season. Each brings a deep understanding of the game, a genuine passion for college football, and a commitment to integrity and excellence. Their diverse backgrounds as university leaders, recent coaches, and former student-athletes will complement our returning members and allow for a seamless transition.”
2026 CFP Selection Committee Members
– 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
The previous season’s final CFP verdict stirred controversy, marking it as one of the most disputed since the playoff expanded in 2014. Miami secured the last at-large spot over Notre Dame despite ranking behind the Fighting Irish for most of the season following a head-to-head victory in their opener. Ninth-ranked Alabama remained static in the final standings, even after a 21-point defeat to Georgia in the SEC Championship, sparking further debate over the committee’s decisions.
The offseason has seen heightened discussions around potential expansion of the playoff format to include 16 or even 24 teams. However, after failed negotiations between the Big Ten and SEC in January, the CFP Management Committee confirmed that the structure would remain at 12 teams for the 2026 season.
The Big Ten is advocating for a 24-team bracket with multiple automatic qualifiers, while the SEC favors a 16-team model known as “5+11.” This SEC framework, which has garnered support from the ACC and Big 12, allows for guaranteed bids to the five highest-ranked conference champions. Conversely, the Big Ten is looking at a model that grants only one automatic bid to the highest-ranked Group of Six champion, with the remaining slots filled by other automatic qualifiers.
For the upcoming 2026 season, the CFP Management Committee is adjusting the 12-team format. Now, each of the Power Four champions will automatically secure a spot in the playoffs, regardless of their rankings at the season’s conclusion. Notre Dame will also earn an at-large bid if it lands within the top 12 of the final CFP rankings.
