Nashville, Tennessee, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Vanderbilt University in Nashville will host ESPN’s College GameDay this weekend as the show broadcasts live from Wyatt Lawn. This marks a historic moment for the program, as it’s only the second time the school has hosted the event. College GameDay precedes the SEC matchup between No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 15 Missouri, showcasing the Commodores’ impressive season and featuring guest picker comedian Nate Bargatze, live music by country stars, and a children’s kicking challenge hosted by Pat McAfee.
Nashville, Tennessee, will be the center of attention this weekend, as ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasts live from the campus of Vanderbilt University on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET. This highly anticipated event precedes the crucial SEC matchup between No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 15 Missouri.
The College GameDay broadcast will be originating from Wyatt Lawn, marking only the second time in history that Vanderbilt has hosted the show, with the first occurrence taking place in 2008. This event highlights a remarkable moment for Vanderbilt, as the team is enjoying its best start in 75 years under head coach Clark Lea. The Commodores have also reached their highest AP ranking since 1947.
Missouri, on the other hand, is making its seventh all-time appearance on College GameDay and its first since 2014. The show will be anchored by host Rece Davis, alongside analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban. Additionally, college football insider Pete Thamel, betting analyst “Stanford Steve” Coughlin, and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims will contribute to the broadcast.
In an exciting segment, there will be a guest picker with ties to Vanderbilt, comedian Nate Bargatze. Moreover, a kicking challenge aimed at children will be hosted by Pat McAfee, giving participants a chance to win money for successfully executing a field goal. To further enhance the atmosphere, live music performances by country music stars Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley will take place during the GameDay broadcast.
Anticipation is high as head coach Clark Lea is scheduled for a live interview on the show before the game begins. College GameDay’s return to Vanderbilt follows its earlier broadcast from Alabama earlier in the season.
For fans interested in attending this event, more details regarding the show schedule and attendance information will soon be available on vucommodores.com and the ESPN College GameDay hub. The event is free for fans, and it is recommended that attendees arrive early to take advantage of exclusive offers.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 9 a.m. – noon ET
- Location: Wyatt Lawn, Vanderbilt University
- Guest Picker: Nate Bargatze
- Live Performances: Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley
- Host: Rece Davis
- Analysts: Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban
- Children’s Kicking Challenge: Pat McAfee
Why It Matters
This milestone for Vanderbilt coincides with an impressive season, underlining the growing prestige of the football program and the excitement surrounding college football as it continues to draw in fans nationwide.
FAQ
When will ESPN’s College GameDay be live from Vanderbilt University?
ESPN’s College GameDay will be live from Vanderbilt University on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.
Where will the broadcast originate from?
The broadcast will originate from Wyatt Lawn on Vanderbilt’s campus.
Who will be featured on the College GameDay broadcast?
The show will be hosted by Rece Davis, along with analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban, among others.
Is there an event for children during GameDay?
Yes, there will be a kicking challenge hosted by Pat McAfee for children.
Will there be live music performances during the event?
Yes, live music performances from Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley will take place during the GameDay broadcast.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Saturday |
| Broadcast Time | 9 a.m. – noon ET |
| Location | Wyatt Lawn, Vanderbilt University |
| Guest Picker | Nate Bargatze |
| Live Music | Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley |
| Broadcast Host | Rece Davis |
| Broadcast Analysts | Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban |
| Children’s Challenge | Kicking challenge hosted by Pat McAfee |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanderbilt University Welcomes ESPN’s College GameDay
Vanderbilt University Faces Backlash Over Higher Education Compact
Florida A&M University Considers Street Renaming Proposal
Alabama Set to Face Vanderbilt in High-Stakes Rematch
Vanderbilt Football and Soccer Teams Make Headlines
Tennessee State University Announces New Engineering Hub
Nashville Gears Up for a Hilarious Gameday with Vandy the Character Debuting at SEC Showdown
Additional Resources
- ESPN Press Room
- Vanderbilt Commodores
- SI Fannation
- Google Search: Vanderbilt University
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanderbilt University
Author: HERE Nashville
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