What is College GameDay? ESPN history, hosts, guests, stats
Get ready. "College GameDay" is coming to your city.
Check out key facts about ESPN'sflagship college football pregame show below:
What is 'College GameDay'?
GameDay is a weekly, three-hour traveling television program that sets up shop at college campuses for marquee matchups. College football takes center stage in the fall. In the winter, the program shifts its focus to college basketball.
GameDay features live musical performances, fan contests, celebrity guests and other fun features centered on weekly matchups.
Who are the 2026 hosts for 'College GameDay'?
Rece Davis hosts the three-hour show joined by analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Nick Saban at the desk.
When did 'College GameDay' start?
GameDay first aired in 1987 as an in-studio show with host Tim Brando and analysts Corso and Beano Cook.
Who has contributed to the show in the past?
Previous hosts include:
- Trev Alberts
- Erin Andrews
- Tim Brando
- Bob Carpenter
- Beano Cook
- Chris Fallica
- Chris Fowler
- Robert Griffin III
- Craig James
- Rocket Ismail
- Norm Hitzges
- David Pollack
- Samantha Ponder
- Tom Rinaldi
- Maria Taylor
- Gene Wojciechowski
Previous celebrity guest pickers include:
- Timothée Chalamet
- Keegan-Michael Key
- Joel McHale
- Vince Vaughn
- The Chainsmokers
- Bill Murray
- Brad Paisley
- Eric Stonestreet
- Dierks Bentley
- Big Boi
- Alice Cooper
- Will Ferrell
- Chip & Joanna Gaines
- John Goodman
- Matthew McConaughey
- Katy Perry
What is 'College GameDay' best known for?
Top Stories
GameDay is widely known for creative signs and flags displayed by crowd members. Fans also look forward to the celebrity guest pickers predicting results of games.
How long has 'College GameDay' been a traveling program?
GameDay ventured out of the television studio and began incorporating live broadcasts in different locations in 1993.
Which celebrity has the most appearances as a guest picker?
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has the most appearances on GameDay, with six. He was the show's first celebrity guest picker on Oct. 2, 2004. Barkley's record as a guest picker is 23-18 (.561 winning percentage).
Which celebrity has the best record as a guest picker?
Professional golfer Bubba Watson went a perfect 10-0 during his lone appearance on Sept. 28, 2013, when his alma mater, Georgia, hosted LSU in Athens. Watson is the only celebrity to go undefeated with double-digit wins.
What is the largest 'College GameDay' crowd of all time?
A record 26,000 people were present when GameDay stopped at James Madison in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in November 2023.
What is the theme song of 'College GameDay'?
GameDay has used a few different theme songs over the years:
- 2026 -"High Noon" by Shaboozey
- 2025 - "dont wait run fast" by MGK
- 2024 - "Get By" by Jelly Roll
- 2023 - "Comin' To Your City" by The Cadillac Three, Darius Rucker, and Lainey Wilson
- 2007-2022 - "Comin' To Your City" by Big & Rich
Where can fans access more college football content from ESPN?
Check out the ESPN college football hub page foranalysis, scores, schedules, rankings, standings and more.
