ESPN has already locked in the first two destinations for College GameDay's 2026 season, and college football fans are in for a treat as the show celebrates its 40th anniversary. The network announced Tuesday that the iconic pregame show will kick off its milestone season with a heavyweight Week 1 clash between Clemson and LSU in Baton Rouge.

This matchup carries extra intrigue as it marks the return leg of a home-and-home series, with Lane Kiffin making his debut as LSU's head coach. Last year's 17-10 Tigers victory stunned many and sent Clemson into a tailspin, so Dabo Swinney's squad will be hungry for redemption under the bright lights of Death Valley. The show's season premiere on Sept. 5 will also be its 500th road show—a fitting milestone for such a marquee matchup.

Week 2 is a no-brainer: Ohio State vs. Texas in Austin on Sept. 12. After last season's national title battle between these two powerhouse programs, the rematch promises fireworks. The Buckeyes and Longhorns are expected to be top contenders again, making this an early-season playoff preview that GameDay simply couldn't pass up.

While Week 3 hasn't been announced yet, all signs point to Kiffin's emotional return to Oxford, where he previously coached Ole Miss. That storyline alone would make for compelling television, and you can bet ESPN is already planning the coverage.

“College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will kick off its 40th season with a milestone event – its 500th show on the road – on Saturday, Sept. 5, from Baton Rouge, La.,” the network said in a press release. The three-hour season premiere will air live at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPNU, marking the show's 15th visit to LSU's campus.

From the very first whistle, we'll know whether Kiffin has LSU ready to compete at the highest level. For fans looking to gear up for the season, these early matchups are the perfect excuse to stock up on your favorite team's apparel before the action kicks off.