Alabama Native and Veteran College Football Writer Joins CFP Selection Committee
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee has welcomed six new members, including longtime college football journalist and Alabama native Ivan Maisel. A Mobile, Alabama, native and Stanford University graduate, Maisel has built a distinguished career covering college football for major publications such as The Dallas Morning News, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and On3. His deep knowledge of the sport and extensive experience in reporting and analysis make him a significant addition to the committee.
Maisel’s appointment is part of a routine refresh of the CFP Selection Committee, which regularly rotates members to ensure a diverse range of perspectives in the decision-making process. He will serve a three-year term alongside fellow new appointees: Baylor athletics director Mack Rhoades, former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, Maryland AD Damon Evans, Middle Tennessee State AD Chris Massaro, and former Ole Miss All-America tight end Wesley Walls.
The CFP Selection Committee is responsible for ranking the top college football teams each season and determining which four programs will compete in the national championship playoff. Composed of a mix of former coaches, administrators, and media experts, the committee’s goal is to ensure a fair and balanced evaluation of the teams based on performance, strength of schedule, and other key factors. Maisel’s background as a journalist provides a fresh perspective, as he brings decades of experience analyzing teams, coaches, and the evolution of the game.
Throughout his career, Maisel has been a respected voice in college football journalism, known for his insightful coverage and deep storytelling. He played a crucial role in ESPN’s college football coverage for many years and has written extensively on the history, culture, and development of the sport. His appointment to the committee underscores the value of media expertise in shaping the playoff selection process.
Maisel and the other newly appointed members will begin their roles immediately, participating in the selection of teams for the upcoming college football season. Their decisions will be closely watched, as the playoff format is set to expand in the coming years, making the committee’s role even more significant.
With his vast experience and deep ties to the sport, Maisel is expected to contribute valuable insights to the CFP Selection Committee. His knowledge of the game, combined with his Alabama roots, adds another layer of expertise to the group tasked with shaping college football’s most crucial postseason
decisions.
