Baylor AD Mack Rhoades Takes Leave, CFP Committee Names Interim Chair

Baylor football and the broader College Football Playoff landscape were unexpectedly impacted Thursday following the announcement that athletic director Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence. The move has significant implications, as Rhoades also serves as chair of the CFP selection committee.

In response, the CFP Management Committee acted quickly to fill the leadership gap. University of Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek has been appointed as the interim chair of the selection committee for the remainder of the 2025 season, according to NBC Sports college football insider Nicole Auerbach.

Yurachek is stepping into this role while also managing his own campus challenges. Arkansas football is in transition after firing head coach Sam Pittman midseason, with former coach Bobby Petrino serving as the interim leader. The Razorbacks currently sit at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference standings with a 2-7 overall record and 0-5 in conference play.

Rhoades’ leave comes amid a reported investigation involving an alleged altercation between him and Baylor tight end Michael Trigg. The news has sparked widespread attention across social media, eliciting reactions from both Baylor supporters and national figures connected to the university.

1. Reactions from Baylor and Beyond

Baylor legend and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III expressed concern and frustration over the news. On his social media account, he commented, “Bears can’t catch a break,” reflecting the challenges facing the program. National champion basketball coach Scott Drew offered public support for Rhoades, emphasizing their personal connection. “Mack’s a friend. Love him as family. Praying for him,” Drew told Fox 44 sports director Parker Rehm. The story quickly gained traction outside the Baylor community, with college football fans and analysts weighing in on the potential implications for the CFP and the Big 12. Rhoades’ dual role as athletic director and CFP chair magnifies the significance of his absence. Meanwhile, the Big 12 is actively addressing leadership gaps beyond the CFP, handpicking Utah AD Mark Harlan to assist in the interim period and ensure continuity within the conference’s administrative operations.

2. Impact on the College Football Playoff

The immediate concern centers on the CFP selection process, which requires steady leadership to finalize rankings and matchups. With Rhoades stepping aside, Yurachek assumes responsibility for guiding the committee through the remainder of the 2025 season. Yurachek’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the CFP committee prepares for the final weeks of the regular season and evaluates potential playoff contenders. His experience at Arkansas positions him to navigate these high-pressure responsibilities while balancing challenges on his home campus. The committee’s swift action reflects the importance of maintaining stability and transparency in the playoff selection process. With scrutiny from fans, media, and conference officials, the interim leadership must ensure confidence in the fairness and integrity of CFP decisions. Rhoades’ absence, although temporary, underscores the intersection of individual conduct and institutional responsibility, demonstrating how off-field developments can ripple through college football’s administrative and competitive structures.

3. Administrative Adjustments at Baylor and the Big 12

At Baylor, leadership adjustments extend beyond Rhoades’ leave. The university and conference are collaborating to manage operations and maintain continuity within the athletic department during the investigation. Mark Harlan’s temporary involvement with the Big 12 highlights the conference’s proactive approach to filling gaps in oversight. By leveraging experienced administrators, the league aims to stabilize decision-making and ensure ongoing support for member institutions. For Baylor, the leave of a high-profile AD amid a competitive season presents both operational and reputational challenges. Swift, transparent action from the university and conference is critical to maintaining trust among players, fans, and stakeholders. The situation serves as a reminder of the broader responsibilities of athletic directors and conference officials, who must navigate both on-field performance and off-field accountability to uphold the integrity of collegiate athletics.