ESPN's "College GameDay" is kicking off its 40th season with a blockbuster start that has college football fans counting down the days. The iconic pregame show announced it will set up shop in Baton Rouge for Week 1, making Lane Kiffin's LSU debut at Tiger Stadium an even bigger spectacle. On September 5, the Tigers will host Clemson in a rematch of last season's top-10 thriller, and this edition marks a milestone: the show's 500th road broadcast.
Last year, LSU edged Clemson in Death Valley, with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier tossing a game-winning 8-yard touchdown pass to Trey'Dez Green in the fourth quarter. Now, with Kiffin at the helm—a coach known for bringing offensive fireworks and plenty of personality—the atmosphere in Baton Rouge promises to be electric. Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, Kirk Herbstreit, and the crew will have plenty to break down as two premier programs clash early in the season.
But "GameDay" isn't stopping there. For Week 2, the show heads to Austin for a colossal SEC showdown between Ohio State and Texas at Darrell K. Royal Stadium. This matchup is already being hyped as a potential top-three battle, and it features some of the most electrifying talent in the country. Buckeyes fans will watch Heisman finalist Julian Sayin connect with superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith, while Texas counters with Arch Manning and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman—arguably the top quarterback-wide receiver duo in the nation.
Ohio State enters as the No. 1 team in USA TODAY's too-early top 25, with Texas sitting at No. 3 and leading the SEC rankings. This will be the third straight season "GameDay" has featured the Buckeyes and Longhorns, after last year's defensive slugfest in Columbus ended with a 14-7 Ohio State win. Whether you're gearing up for game day in Tiger Stadium or the Lone Star State, this season's opening weeks are shaping up to be must-watch football—and the perfect excuse to stock up on your favorite team's gear.