College football fans, mark your calendars! ESPN's College GameDay is heading back to Austin for a blockbuster showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 2 of the 2026 season. The iconic pregame show will broadcast live from Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 12, ahead of the 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ABC.
This matchup is already brewing with intensity. When these two powerhouse programs met last season in Columbus during Week 1, GameDay was on site to capture the rematch of their 2025 College Football Playoff semifinal. That visit was especially memorable—it marked Lee Corso's final appearance on the show, as the legendary broadcaster donned Brutus Buckeye for his last headgear pick. Ohio State won that game 14-7, but the Longhorns are hungry for redemption this time around.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Texas will be looking to avenge that loss and make a statement early in the season, with potential College Football Playoff implications on the line. The last time GameDay rolled into Austin was in 2024, when then-No. 1 Texas hosted No. 5 Georgia in a classic that saw the Bulldogs prevail 30-15. Now, with ESPN's "Way-Too-Early" Top 25 ranking Ohio State at No. 1 and Texas at No. 5, this year's clash could be another top-five showdown that sets the tone for the entire season.
Whether you're a Longhorns loyalist or a Buckeyes backer, this is a game you won't want to miss. Get ready for a night of high-stakes football under the lights in Austin—and don't forget to gear up in your team's colors to show your support!
