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Baylor AD Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence from the university, sources confirmed to CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello. Rhoades is also stepping down from his role as College Football Playoff chair, where he’s been a visible presence during weekly ranking reveals. ESPN reports he’ll be replaced both as chair and committee member.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek is the likely replacement as CFP chair. Meanwhile, the Big 12 is pushing for Utah AD Mark Harlan to fill Rhoades’ committee seat. Both moves need approval from the CFP governing boards before becoming official.
The timing couldn’t be more challenging — the final CFP rankings drop on December 7, just days away.
New Allegations Surface
A Baylor spokesperson confirmed the school received fresh allegations against Rhoades on Monday. These new claims don’t involve the football program or the previously reported Michael Trigg incident. The university clarified that the investigation doesn’t touch on Title IX issues, NCAA violations, or student welfare concerns.
This development comes after Rhoades was already under scrutiny.
The initial controversy stemmed from a sideline confrontation during Baylor’s September 20 matchup with Arizona State. According to The Athletic, Rhoades allegedly grabbed tight end Michael Trigg during the first quarter, using an expletive while questioning him about wearing a gold undershirt that differed from teammates’ apparel.
The situation escalated when Bears head coach Dave Aranda reportedly had a “heated” exchange with Rhoades following the incident.
Baylor’s administration had previously addressed the Trigg situation in a statement to The Athletic: “More than a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Mack Rhoades. These reports were thoroughly reviewed and investigated in accordance with university policies, appropriate actions were taken, and the matter is now closed.”
The statement continued, “Mr. Rhoades has expressed regret over his emotions and recognizes his conduct at that moment was not reflective of our Christian mission and values. Mr. Rhoades is an important part of our Baylor family, and we look forward to his continued leadership of our athletics department. We remain committed to ensuring a respectful and accountable environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.”
CFP Leadership Transition
Rhoades just appeared on Tuesday night’s CFP rankings show in his role as committee chair — making this sudden departure all the more surprising.
He’s relatively new to the position, having replaced former chairman Warde Manuel (now Michigan’s AD) back in March. Rhoades served on the 13-member selection committee last season during the CFP’s inaugural 12-team format.
The veteran administrator has built a substantial resume in college athletics. He’s led Baylor’s athletic department since 2016 after a two-year stint at Missouri. His career includes previous AD roles at Houston (2009-15) and Akron (2006-09).
Baylor has not specified how long Rhoades’ leave of absence might last or who will handle his duties during his absence.
