Michigan AD Warde Manuel named College Football Playoff committee chair for 2024

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel role on the national scene is expanding after being appointed the College Football Playoff selection committee chair for the 2024 season, which will see the playoff expand from four to 12 teams.

Manuel replaces Boo Corrigan, the NC State athletic director who was chair the last two seasons, CFP executive director Bill Hancock announced Thursday. Manuel, a former Michigan football player and athletic department administrator, became Michigan’s athletic director in January 2016.

“My first two years on the committee have been a great experience,” Manuel said in a release. “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.”

The CFP also announced several new members, whose three-year terms begin this spring: Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, former Toledo and Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades, Virginia athletic director Carla Williams and Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek.

Manuel returned to Michigan as athletic director after nearly four years as UConn AD.  He has three degrees from Michigan — bachelor of general studies degree with a focus in psychology in 1990, a master's degree in social work from U-M in 1993 and an MBA from U-M's Stephen M. Ross School of Business in 2005.

“We are delighted that Warde will serve as chair,” Hancock said. “He has been a valuable member of the committee 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.” 

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