The 2025 college football season kicks into full swing this weekend, featuring three games between top 10 teams—the most such matchups this early in a season in the sport's history.ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot is back for its 39th season and kicks off the new year live from Columbus, Ohio, before the reigning National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes host the Texas Longhorns in a College Football Playoff Semifinal rematch. The premier college football pregame show will be live from outside St. John Arena on Ohio State’s campus for its 26th trip all time – the most of any school to host the show, beginning at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPNU.
The show marks a send-off for one of college football’s most beloved personalities as Lee Corso makes his final appearance after 38 seasons on College GameDay. Corso has been part of the show since it debuted in 1987, and he has entertained crowds on more than 70 college campuses and other game sites.
Entering his final telecast, Corso has made 430 headgear picks all-time, including picking the Buckeyes a record 45 times. The 90-year-old will make his final headgear pick back where he began the tradition, donning Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye mascot head in Columbus on October 5, 1996.
At night, No. 4 Clemson hosts No. 9 LSU (7:30 pm ET, ABC), while Sunday features No. 6 Notre Dame traveling to No. 10 Miami (7:30 pm ET). The first game showcases one of the season’s top storylines—the full-time debut of Arch Manning, scion of the dynasty that includes NFL greats Peyton and Eli. Also to watch are eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick’s first season at North Carolina, whether Alabama can return to the playoffs, and more.