Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence from his roles as College Football Playoff chairman and Baylor Athletic Director, effective November 12, for personal reasons. Baylor University confirmed the leave in a statement and declined further comment.
Rhoades also confirmed his departure from the College Football Playoff chairman position. This news follows reports of an altercation involving Rhoades and Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, though the university stated the leave is unrelated to this incident. Previously, Rhoades was investigated by Baylor regarding an issue with Trigg's undershirt before a game on September 20.
Rhoades has served as Baylor's athletic director since 2016. Prior to that, he held athletic director positions at Missouri, Houston, and Akron. The College Football Playoff committee will now need to appoint a new chairman. The committee is already operating with one fewer member, as Randall McDaniel stepped away for the 2025-26 season.
