Chancellor Roberts joins College Football Playoff Board of Managers
The 11-person board of university presidents and chancellors governs College Football Playoff business, property and affairs.
Chancellor Lee H. Roberts has been named to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. Roberts replaces Clemson University President Jim Clements, who retired on Dec. 31, 2025.
Comprised of 11 University presidents and chancellors, the board governs College Football Playoff business, property and affairs. The board has exclusive authority over major matters such as the appointment of officers, any change to the company’s purpose or permitted activities and approval of the annual budget.
“I’m honored to join the College Football Playoff Board of Managers at this pivotal moment for the sport,” Roberts said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the playoff serves student-athletes and the long-term future of college football.”
“We appreciate the outstanding leadership and service by President Clements, and we are thrilled that Chancellor Roberts has accepted the nomination to begin serving on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. “It continues to be a significant time in college athletics, inclusive of college football, and Chancellor Roberts will provide excellent vision and guidance in this important role.”
“We are grateful for Chancellor Roberts’ willingness to serve on the CFP Board of Managers,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff. “His leadership, perspective, and deep understanding of higher education and intercollegiate athletics will be invaluable as we continue to guide the Playoff through a period of growth and evolution.”
The members of the College Football Playoff Board of Managers are chief executive officers from the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences (American Athletic, Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-12, Southeastern and Sun Belt) and the University of Notre Dame.
Roberts was elected Carolina’s chancellor in August 2024 after serving in the role on an interim basis for eight months. Since taking the role, he has focused on expanding student enrollment and accelerating the development of Carolina North, a 250-acre campus envisioned for new academic and athletic facilities. His leadership priorities emphasize preparing graduating Tar Heels for long-term success while strengthening support for researchers, faculty, and staff—particularly in generative AI, applied sciences, strategic enrollment growth, and comprehensive campus master planning.
