2025 College Football Playoff selection committee and important dates

Over the next five Tuesdays, the 12-person committee will meet to evaluate resumes, head-to-head matchups, strength of schedule, and conference titles before deciding who makes the field on Selection Sunday, Dec. 7.

This year’s committee features a mix of former coaches, administrators, and media members, all bringing deep experience to the selection room. 

Joining him is Mark Dantonio, 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.

Several active athletic directors help shape the playoff picture, ensuring that institutional and conference perspectives are represented.

Troy Dannen, now in his second year at Nebraska, has built a resume of leadership and reform, serving previously on the NCAA Constitution and Transformation Committees.

Carla Williams, Virginia’s athletic director since 2017, has presided over multiple national championships and record academic performances across UVA sports.

Hunter Yurachek of Arkansas rounds out the list of current ADs. Under his leadership, the Razorbacks have led all SEC schools in conference championships over the past four years.

Rounding out the administrative representation are Chris Massaro of Middle Tennessee, who has led his school to 87 conference titles over two decades, and David Sayler of Miami (Ohio), who has guided the RedHawks to multiple conference and academic honors.

The committee also 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.

From the media world, Ivan Maisel joins the group as one of the sport’s most respected journalists. A veteran of ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and The Dallas Morning News, Maisel has chronicled college football for over four decades and was instrumental in ESPN’s “College Football 150” project.

Wesley Walls, a College Football Hall of Famer and five-time NFL Pro Bowler, offers the player’s perspective. The former Ole Miss tight end enjoyed a 15-year professional career highlighted by a Super Bowl victory and induction into the Carolina Panthers’ Hall of Honor.

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.