Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Vanderbilt University hosts ESPN’s College GameDay on Wyatt Lawn for the first time since 2008. The live broadcast will feature a top-15 SEC matchup between No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 15 Missouri, showcasing Vanderbilt’s impressive athletic achievements. The event includes celebrity guest picker Nate Bargatze and live musical performances by Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley, promising an engaging experience for fans and viewers alike.
Nashville, TN – Vanderbilt University Hosts ESPN’s College GameDay for First Time Since 2008
Vanderbilt University proudly welcomes ESPN’s College GameDay to its Wyatt Lawn this Saturday, marking the first time since 2008 that the popular sports program has aired from the campus. The live broadcast will take place from 9 a.m. to noon ET across ESPN, ESPNU, and Disney+, coinciding with a highly anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup between No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 15 Missouri.
This event highlights Vanderbilt’s impressive athletic performance this season, as the Commodores are witnessing their best start in 75 years under the leadership of head coach Clark Lea. This week, the Commodores earned their highest ranking in the AP poll since 1947, placing them at number 10.
Missouri, on the other hand, will be making its seventh appearance on College GameDay, with its last showing being in 2014. This matchup promises to be thrilling, as both teams are ranked in the top 15 of the AP poll, intensifying the competition in the SEC this season.
Details of the Broadcast
The College GameDay broadcast will be hosted by Rece Davis, who is entering his 11th season with the show. He will be joined by a team of analysts that includes Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban, as well as college football insider Pete Thamel, betting analyst “Stanford Steve” Coughlin, and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims.
A signature aspect of the College GameDay experience is the celebrity guest picker, and this week’s selection is comedian Nate Bargatze, a proud supporter of Vanderbilt. In addition, the show will feature a kicking challenge hosted by Pat McAfee, offering a young participant the chance to win money with a successful field goal attempt.
Fans can also look forward to live music performances from notable country stars Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley during the show, promising an entertaining atmosphere for attendees and viewers alike.
Prior to the game scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Coach Clark Lea will take part in a live interview, further engaging with fans during this historic event. Notably, Wyatt Lawn has been a site for significant moments in Vanderbilt history, recently including a victory during the university’s first varsity volleyball match in 45 years.
Pregame Segments and Attendance
The broadcast will kick off with a pregame segment called Countdown to GameDay Live, co-hosted by Christine Williamson, Harry Douglas, and Harry Lyles Jr., beginning at 8:20 a.m. ET. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. For details on attendance and additional offers, fans can find resources through College GameDay’s Hub and the VU Commodores website.
Last week, College GameDay in Athens achieved significant viewership, recording 3.6 million viewers, making it the fourth-most watched regular season episode in history. With such excitement surrounding this weekend’s event, Vanderbilt aims to create a memorable atmosphere for fans, players, and viewers everywhere.
Summary of Key Features
- Event: ESPN’s College GameDay Live Broadcast
- Location: Vanderbilt University – Wyatt Lawn
- Date and Time: Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon ET
- Teams: No. 10 Vanderbilt vs. No. 15 Missouri
- Broadcast Coverage: ESPN, ESPNU, Disney+
- Host: Rece Davis with analysts including Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban
- Celebrity Guest Picker: Nate Bargatze
- Live Music: Performances by Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley
- Live Interview with Coach Clark Lea Pre-Game
FAQs
What time will College GameDay air?
The show will air on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET across ESPN, ESPNU, and Disney+.
Is this the first time College GameDay has been at Vanderbilt?
This marks only the second time Vanderbilt has hosted College GameDay, the last time being in 2008.
What is Vanderbilt’s current football ranking?
Vanderbilt is currently ranked No. 10 in the AP poll, their highest ranking since 1947.
Who is the celebrity guest picker?
The celebrity guest picker for this week is comedian Nate Bargatze, a proud Vanderbilt supporter.
What notable events are planned during the broadcast?
The broadcast will include a kicking challenge hosted by Pat McAfee, as well as live music performances from Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley.
What can fans expect leading up to the game?
Coach Clark Lea will participate in a live interview before the game at 3:30 p.m., and fans are encouraged to arrive early for the show.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadcast Time | 9 a.m. – noon ET |
| Location | Wyatt Lawn, Vanderbilt University |
| Participating Teams | No. 10 Vanderbilt vs. No. 15 Missouri |
| Guest Picker | Nate Bargatze |
| Live Performances | Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley |
| Host | Rece Davis |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
- The New York Times
- Sports Illustrated
- ESPN College Football
- WSMV News
- Wikipedia: College GameDay
- Google Search: Vanderbilt University College GameDay
- Google Scholar: College GameDay
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: College GameDay 2025
Author: HERE Nashville
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