Rocky Top Rumble! ESPN’s College GameDay is heading to Knoxville, Tennessee, for a Week 3 broadcast brimming with SEC excitement. On September 13, 2025, the Ayres Hall Lawn at the University of Tennessee will transform into the epicenter of college football analysis and pre-game festivities. The show, airing from 9 a.m. to noon ET, will precede a crucial SEC matchup between the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers and the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs, a game with significant implications for the conference title race, according to ESPN.com.
GameDay’s Return to Knoxville
This marks the 12th time the University of Tennessee has hosted College GameDay, with its last visit occurring in 2022. The Volunteers hold a 5-6 record in their previous 11 hosting appearances, highlighted by a memorable victory over then-No. 3 Alabama during the October 2022 broadcast, as noted by Rocky Top Insider. For Georgia, this will be their 40th all-time appearance on the show. The Bulldogs enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak in GameDay-featured games.
Star-Studded Lineup and Guest Picker
The College GameDay broadcast will feature a familiar and respected panel of analysts. Host Rece Davis will lead the show, joined by analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban. Pete Thamel, the renowned college football insider, will provide in-depth reports, while ‘Stanford Steve’ Coughlin will offer betting insights. Reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims will also contribute to the coverage, according to Sports Illustrated.
Candace Parker: Celebrity Guest Picker
Adding local flavor and star power to the show, legendary Lady Vols basketball star Candace Parker will serve as the celebrity guest picker for Week 3. Parker, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA champion, led the University of Tennessee to two NCAA championships during her illustrious collegiate career. Her presence is sure to energize the Knoxville crowd, according to Yahoo Sports.
Special Appearances
The show will also feature appearances from notable figures connected to the game. UT head coach Josh Heupel is scheduled to join the set live, offering his perspective on the upcoming matchup. Country singer Russell Dickerson will perform his hit single “Happen to Me” from the Ayres Hall Lawn, providing live entertainment for the fans in attendance. Adding another layer of insight, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King is expected to join the show during his pregame warmups, offering a player’s perspective from outside the immediate rivalry, as reported by Sportskeeda.
The Stakes: Tennessee vs. Georgia
The game between Tennessee and Georgia, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, is a highly anticipated clash between two undefeated teams. As they begin their SEC schedules, this game represents a crucial test for both programs. While Georgia has dominated the series historically, winning eight consecutive games, the Volunteers are eager to reverse that trend. The game is expected to be a tightly contested battle, with the outcome potentially shaping the SEC title race and the College Football Playoff picture, according to Saturday Down South.
Betting Odds and Predictions
With such a high-profile game, betting odds and predictions are naturally a major point of interest. BetMGM and other sportsbooks will be closely monitoring the line as kickoff approaches. ‘Stanford Steve’ Coughlin’s insights on College GameDay will be particularly valuable for those interested in the betting aspects of the game. Factors such as team performance, injuries, and historical data will all play a role in shaping the odds and expert predictions, according to Sports Betting Dime.
Ayres Hall Lawn: The Perfect GameDay Setting
The choice of the Ayres Hall Lawn as the broadcast location is significant. Ayres Hall is one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings on the University of Tennessee campus, providing a picturesque backdrop for the show. The lawn offers ample space for the expected large crowd of students and fans, creating an electric atmosphere that is sure to enhance the College GameDay experience.
SEC Showdown: National Spotlight
College GameDay’s visit to Knoxville underscores the national attention focused on this Tennessee-Georgia rivalry. The presence of the show amplifies the importance of the game, not only for the two teams involved but also for the broader landscape of college football. The outcome of this SEC showdown will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the season, influencing conference standings and playoff aspirations. As ESPN highlights, this is more than just a game; it’s a statement.
In conclusion, College GameDay’s Week 3 broadcast from Knoxville promises a thrilling blend of expert analysis, celebrity appearances, and live entertainment, all leading up to a pivotal SEC clash between Tennessee and Georgia. The event highlights the significance of this rivalry and its potential impact on the college football season.
